I refer to the Malaysiakini report Fatwa Council under fire for banning yoga .

Just when we thought those controversies and the pursuits of deliberations that threaten our multi- social and religious fabric wereover, another issue pops out.

And this time it is against the practice of yoga.

But one cannot but thank the Almighty that despite so and in the midst of so much controversy, growing tensions and anxiety, a forceful yet clear and caring voice was heard and that came from our beloved sultan of Selangor.

Yes, indeed the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah hopes that in future, any decision on a fatwa (religious edict) involving an issue affecting the public be referred to the Conference of Malay Rulers before being announced.

The sultan was right in citing that this was to ensure that the decision on the fatwa would be channeled to the people in a wise manner to avoid any confusion and controversy.

Sultan Sharafuddin had stated this in a statement issued by his private secretary Mohamad Munir Bani following the fatwa issued by the National Fatwa Council on Saturday that yoga is now haram (forbidden in Islam) as it contains Hindu elements, thus could affect the aqidah (faith) of Muslims who practise yoga.

It was also timely for our beloved sultan to say that the fatwa banning Muslims from practicing yoga had not been enforced in Selangor as it had not been brought before the state fatwa committee.

He added that the committee chaired by Selangor Mufti Mohd Tamyes Abdul Wahid will meet to discuss in-depth yoga activities in the state to avoid making a hasty decision.

And that when a final decision is made by the Selangor state fatwa committee on the matter, it will be presented to the sultan for consent.

As far as I understand, this is in accordance and is in line with the provisions in the Selangor Islamic Administration Enactment 2003 on the acceptance of a decision on fatwa.

Now with the timely statement by our beloved sultan of Selangor, calm and clarity of thought should be the order of day in this state.