Sun salutation is generally considered not permissible (haram) in Islam.
This stance primarily arises from the Islamic concept of Tawhid (the Oneness of Allah). Performing sun salutations, which involve bowing and postures directed towards the sun, can be seen as associating partners with Allah or worshipping the sun, which contradicts the fundamental Islamic belief that Allah is the only being worthy of worship.
Here's a breakdown of why sun salutations are often viewed as problematic from an Islamic perspective:
- Worship Directed at the Sun: The core issue is that sun salutations, even if intended solely as exercise, resemble acts of worship towards the sun. Islam strictly prohibits worshipping anything besides Allah.
- Bowing and Prostration: The physical postures involved, such as bowing and prostration, are considered acts of submission reserved solely for Allah in Islamic prayer.
- Tauhid (Oneness of God): As mentioned, sun salutations potentially conflict with the principle of Tauhid by directing reverence or submission to something other than Allah.
However, some Muslims might argue that if the intention is purely for physical exercise and there is no intention of worshipping the sun, it could be permissible. However, this is a minority view and generally not encouraged. It is crucial to have a clear intention and avoid any actions that could be interpreted as shirk (associating partners with Allah).
In conclusion, due to the potential for misinterpretation and the resemblance to sun worship, sun salutations are generally considered haram in Islam.
