Headlines
Yoga Day: Muslims join in, say they feel rejuvenated
By
Rahul VaishnaviNew Delhi, June 21
Like any devout Muslim
during the holy month of Ramzan, Irfan Salmani Dehalvi, 42, woke up
shortly before dawn, had 'sehari', the early morning meal before
beginning the fast, and offered prayers. On Sunday, 'seheri' was
followed by a mass session of yoga at Rajpath where Prime Minister
Narendra Modi was in attendance.
“It was a welcome change to come
here for a yoga session early morning while fasting. After today’s
experience, I will include yoga in my daily workout regime,†Dehalvi,
dressed in a traditional white coloured kurta-pyjama and skullcap, told
IANS.
Dehalvi, who is president of All India Jamaat-e-Salmani, said yoga was not contrary to the teachings of Islam.
“People
who have spread such lies have a malicious intent. There is nothing
wrong with Muslims doing yoga. It’s a natural workout that helps us
fight many diseases and infections and keeps us healthy,†he said.
“In
fact, most of us don’t even have any reservations in doing Surya
Namaskar as well. The matter was unnecessarily blown out of proportion,â€
he opined.
Agreed Irfan Mirza, 40, a computer spare parts shop owner from Lal Kuan area of the walled city.
“We
greet our Hindu friends with a namaskar. So, why would we have any
problem with Surya Namaskar (the sun salutation asana that is considered
a complete exercise in itself)?†said Mirza as he limbered up on one of
the 37,000 pink, blue and green coloured mats that made for a pretty
spectacle on Rajpath that stretches about two km from India Gate to
Rashtrapati Bhavan.
“But we can’t bow before the sun,†he added.
Among
the thousands gathered at Rajpath - the venue of the main event in the
national capital that saw participation from people from all walks of
life, including school and college students as well as envoys, there was
a sizeable chunk of Muslim residents of Delhi, especially from the
Walled City, who joined in.
And for many, the experience was unforgettable.
“I
never thought yoga could be so refreshing. As I am fasting today, I was
a bit apprehensive about working out, but I am feeling rejuvenated,â€
said Khalid Qureshi, 39, a businessman from Sadar Bazar, after the
35-minute event concluded.
“I am now curious to learn more about
this wonderful activity and will definitely encourage others to start
practicing yoga as well,†he said.
(Rahul vaishnavi can be contacted on [email protected])