Is it allowed for Muslims to do yoga or meditation?

Is it allowed for Muslims to do yoga or meditation?

Yoga and meditation are basically religious rituals. According to Islam, staying or sitting in front of Hindu gods/goddesses, sending energy to the universe, establishing a connection to the ancestors and asking them for help, saying Hindi mantras (words) are pagan beliefs and shirk (associationism). Therefore they are not allowed for Muslims.

However, it’s not a sin to do physical and mental relaxation exercises that only concern the sports aspect of yoga or meditation without adding any religious content.

Some examples of Hindu mantras (Thomas Ashley-Ferrard, Mantra Healing):
Om Shri Dhanvantre Namaha: Greetings and respect to the god Dhanvantre, who represents health and healing.
Om Gum Ganapataye Namaha: Greetings and respect to god Ganesha.
Om Nama Shivaya: Greetings and respect to the god Shiva.

Om (aum) symbolizes the three great Hindu gods, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.