Youth Ministry states that Islamic Ministry did not advise against celebrating International Yoga Day.

Islamic Ministry had sent a letter to Maldives Police Services (MPS) on 16 June requesting to stop the Yoga Day celebrations.

In the letter, Islamic Ministry stated that Yoga is being used as a form of exercise and medication, but that Egyptian fatwa majilis had released a statement in 2004 stating any form of yoga is haram for Muslims as it has its origins in Hinduism.

Additionally, the letter stated that Malaysian fatwa majilis also released a statement in 2008 saying any form of yoga is haram to Muslims.

As such, Islamic Ministry requested MPS to put a stop to the International Yoga Day activities that were held on Tuesday.

Youth Ministry responded to the letter on Sunday stating that the International Yoga Day has been celebrated in the Maldives since 2014 together with the Indian Embassy. The ministry added that the Islamic Ministry and other government bodies had not advised against celebrating the day.

Youth Ministry further added that the ministry would not partake in any activities that are against Islam in any form or way.

Till date, MPS has made 19 arrests in relation to the violence during the International Yoga Day celebrations.