According to Muhammad Abdul-Fattah Faheem in his al-Yuga wa At-Tanafus (p. 19) and other references, Yoga in the Sanskrit language means union and contact with God, i.e., union between the bodymind and God which helps man attain knowledge and wisdom and develop his thought by improving his knowledge of life; it protects him from sectarianism, religious fanaticism, narrowmindedness and shortsightedness when searching; it makes him live a life of contentment both physically and spiritually. According to Ahmed Shalabi, The union of Buddha with the Hindu gods is a return to belief in ‘Jnana Yoga’ i.e., the path of knowledge, which envisions truth in all religions and philosophies (Adyaan al-Hind, p. 174).

Based on these introductory notes, Modern Muslim scholars differed on the ruling of practicing yoga. Some of them went to believe it is completely forbidden while others are of the view that it is permissible without any restrictions. A third group took a moderate standing by differentiating between some practices of Yug. They allowed those that are in accordance with Shari`ah and forbade those that are contrary to it. All of them admitted that Yoga is of a non-Muslim origin.

In conclusion, I think it is impermissible for Muslim to practice Yuga due to its being an act of resembling non-Muslim religious practice. The best exercise is in salah. Lengthy ruku` and prolonged sujud will bring you that same soothing effect.