Indonesian clerics may declare aerobic exercise haram

by: Salaam

Mon Feb 15, 2010 at 23:12:08 PM EST

Chairman of the South Sumatra office of the MUI, M. Sodikun, said the council was considering an edict to declare the physical activity haram (forbidden under Islam) if the exercise enthusiasts, who are mostly women, did not change their clothing, which the ulema deem arousing.

Sodikun also criticised aerobic moves, which he said tended to spark sexual desire and therefore were contrary to Islamic mores.

"Exercise is recommended to maintain physical fitness and health but it must be conducted in accordance with our existing social norms and culture,' Sodikun said as quoted by kompas.com.

"Aerobic exercise must avoid the use of transparent clothing as it does more harm than good."

Story here.