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Muslims must give up azaan by loudspeakers. Even Prophet would have rejected it

From both religious and practical point of views, there is no justification for using loudspeakers at mosques for azaan recital.

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An unseemly controversy has been breaking out every now and then for the last few years regarding azaan. Recently, the vice-chancellor of Allahabad University, Sangita Srivastava, complained to the district magistrate that the early morning azaan disturbed her sleep, which affected her productivity at work. Earlier, in 2017, singer Sonu Nigam was in the eye of a storm for tweeting, “I am not a Muslim and I have to be woken up by the Azaan in the morning. When will this forced religiousness end in India.” But the story of how the azaan should be rendered has a complicated history — from the Prophet himself choosing a human voice instead of a mechanical device, to the Muslim community seeing loudspeakers as shaitan in the 1970s.

Azaan is the Muslim call to prayer, made five times a day from a mosque, for believers to join the congregational prayer. Prophet Muhammad instituted this practice after he migrated to Medina, and built a mosque there. As to the method of calling people to the mosque for the five periodic prayers, he deliberated the issue with his companions. Some suggested ringing a bell, some blowing a horn, and some lighting a fire. But, under divine inspiration, the Prophet decided on the human voice, and chose a manumitted Black slave, Bilal, for making the call.

The human voice, even if it were the baritone of Bilal, couldn’t be as loud and couldn’t go as far as the mechanically produced sound of a bell or a horn. Yet, the Prophet chose the low-decibel human voice over the high-decibel mechanical sound. Clearly, there is a lesson in it for his followers who should consider whether the mechanically amplified sound of a loudspeaker remains the human voice that the Prophet might approve of. They would also do well to reflect on whether attaching religious import to the use of such a contraption amounts to a reprehensible novelty called bid’at, — that is, an innovation which distorts the religion.

Thus, from the religious point of view, there is no justification for the loudspeaker. In 2020, the Allahabad High Court said that though azaan was essential to the Islamic religious practice, the use of loudspeakers was not. This court drew upon the Supreme Court’s judgment of 2000 in the Church of God (Full Gospel) in India vs. KKR Majestic, wherein it was observed that “no religion or religious sect can claim that the use of loudspeakers or similar instruments for prayers or for worship or for celebrating religious festivals is an essential part of the religion which is protected under Article 25”. After all, loudspeaker is a 20th-century invention, but the religions are millennia old.


Also read: Islam’s crisis doesn’t need Reformation. It calls for relocation


Do Muslims need loudspeakers? 

Azaan is intended for Muslims. That it falls on non-Muslim ears is an inadvertence. Its efficacy could be verified by the response it evokes to bring the believers to the mosque. A random peek in any mosque during the prayer time would show that not many Muslims respond to the call. The footfall in the mosque is negligible except for the midday Friday prayer. And those who regularly go there five times a day do not actually depend on the azaan to be reminded of the prayer time. Even if they did, they need not in this age and time when most have a watch on their wrist, and a smartphone in their pocket where they can get numerous Islam apps to set off the azaan at the appointed hours. If there ever was a functional justification for reciting the azaan from a loudspeaker, such apps have put paid to it. It is an anachronism that gives the impression of tardy modernisation of the Muslim community.

The ubiquity of loudspeakers in the mosque is of fairly recent origin. In the 1970s, it started becoming pervasive. First, it was installed as a bauble of superficial modernity to reflect the self-esteem of the local community, which, in its growing affluence, couldn’t be seen lagging behind the neighbouring Muslim community, which had already fitted their mosques with loudspeakers. However, it was always met with much scepticism and some resistance because it was not only seen as an intrusion of modernity in the timeless space of religion, but the blaring sound was also regarded as shaitani awaz — devilish sound — which was not fit for the sanctity of a mosque.

Today, it is seen as a way of asserting the Muslim community’s presence in public space. This not-too-veiled sentiment is not lost on India’s majority community either. Therefore, the resentment against it, which is deeper than what its sporadic expression suggests, is not against the call to prayer per se, but against the loud, in-your-face stamping of an identity-obsessed self-othered presence. Posturing of assertion is not the best formula for amity.


Also read: From Hadiya to Tanvi Seth, casual bigotry is fashionable, politically celebrated


Give loudspeakers up as a gesture 

Furthermore, there are laws in place, and according to the Noise Pollution Rules, 2000, the use of loudspeakers is regulated by the designated authority — mainly, the police — in order to keep the sound level within the limits of ambient air quality standards. As for an individual, a community’s standing in society depends on being good citizenly and law-abiding. Those who live in an obdurate violation of law, are courting visitation of lawlessness.

Public morality and collective ethics are shaped by being mindful of one another’s space — both as individuals and groups. If some practice is regularly being called out as nuisance, it may be time for reflection rather than indignation. In a pluralist society, with a multiplicity of religions, the modus vivendi is to keep one’s practices private lest they step on another’s toes.

Secularism as a State policy can have a future only if it is shored up by the amicable conduct of the communities at the base. India didn’t become secular with the insertion of this word in the Preamble to the Constitution in 1976, or even with the promulgation of the Constitution in 1950. We had always been secular. The word may be of the Western origin, but the discourse is not derivative. Our secularism has been societal and cultural, not statist and legal. It’s about co-existence of religions, not about refereeing sectarian conflicts. Any irreverence to the social praxis of secularism would cause irreparable damage to it as a State policy.

Someday, azaan from loudspeaker will have to stop. One could only hope that it wouldn’t be done by the enforcement of existing laws, but as a good neighbourly gesture by the Muslim community, reflecting their collective conscience and wisdom.

Najmul Hoda is an IPS officer. Views are personal.

(Edited by Prashant Dixit)

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204 COMMENTS

  1. Appreciate Mr. Hoda’s views. I unfortunately live between 2 buildings called Masjids, abt. 40 metres and 210 metres away. I am tortured by the duplication of the shouting and screaming from their loudspeakers . According to them these loudspeakers are fitted so that everybody upto 2 kms away should hear the screaming. The output of these horn-type loudspeakers is abt. 110 decibels. The author makes it look as if the loudspeakers are used only 5 times a day to perform 2 -3 minute screaming sessions. That is far from the truth. The fact is that there are 2-3 minute screaming sessions – 5 times a day, abt. 10 minutes screaming session once a day which makes the daily screaming sessions 6 +6 = 12 times a day. Then every Friday there is a screaming session between 1240 – 1400hrs. Then there are special day screaming sessions for 2 -4 hours at least 4 times a year. Then there are 2-4 hour screaming sessions for programmes held 10- 12 times a year. Then there are announcements of invitations to marriage ceremonies , various programmes and meetings, death ceremonies, lunch and dinner and programmes/ functions at the house of some member/subscriber . It is killing that they forcefully want everybody to hear their ridiculous beliefs and lies. Iman , Iman they shout. Don’t tell lies, don;t rob they shout. But they are amongst the biggest liars. THey are amongst the biggest robbers of government land. It’s all about land-grabbing. So these buildings are just meant as a front to white-wash the illegal works being done by its members who control the running of these buildings. They then spend money from all the money that they rob, to spread propaganda by using their own IT cells and ground level workers by using Whataboutery. In fact they thrive on the propaganda that they are being persecuted. Every Friday and everyday the adults and children are brainwashed by screaming sessions into believing that they are the biggest saints and that everybody else is persecuting them because of their “good” beliefs.

  2. It’s so sad that been reading justifications in the comments. If you need to be reminded about your prayer time by someone else it indicates that you are not sure of your prayer time. Devote don’t jeed a call they fix their alarms as a reminder . We talk about Aazan please tell me what is recited ?
    Why should you have to have high volumes to disturb all others. Aazan is only for Muslims and they can devise a way of getting reminders

  3. This was true for a quiet sorroundings… but in present age, there are noises due to horns, running engines, etc. how could one possibly hear the AZAAN

    • Answer: One can hear the shouting and screaming from loudspeakers(LS) fitted on structures called Masjids: if they live within 100metres, if the flare of the LS is pointed in their direction, because the very intention of fitting these LS’s is so that they can be heard by all upto about 2 kms away; because the output of these LS’s is about 110 decibels.

  4. In old time there was no noise pollution due to which a human can hear voice of other human far away from each other which we can experience in those areas where there are no vehicles, djs, factories, less population etc. So to reach Muslims it is important to have azaan on loud speaker as per govt rules.

    • As per government rules, loudspeakers should not be used from 10 pm to 6pm. This is definitely not followed. So, your point is not valid. Pls be considerate.

  5. It’s right..only if it’s for every religion,don’t target only one and arise problems in community. Temples use loudspeakers,it starts at early morning at 5!!isn’t it a problem. The festival seasons..they play it continuosuly with loudspeakers and speakers each corner!isn’t a problem. When there comes a complaint and discussion think for everyone equally. Then only we can say our country is democratic other wise it’s onlu called as hyprocratic.

  6. Firstly there were lesser people to reach out to hence Azaan was given by man. Now its impossible for human voice to go across buildings let alone the colony. So this is jot the Bidaah but a neccessity.
    (This was the answer for a rationally thinkinh person)
    Now for the writer’s perspective of stating things, azaan is not even for a minute and causes pollution and other people than muslims get to hear it. So what about the bhajans played during the time of Ganesh Chaturthi nd Kali maa murti. These r played on several times higher voice so much that u cant hear another person talking in your locality.
    If pollution and people’s hearing sentiments are to be concerned this must stop as well.
    (All in good taste )

    • This practice of Hindus using loudspeakers is a reaction for Muslims using loudspeakers on their mosques. If Muslims will stop then automatically Hindus will stop too. The Azzan on loud speakers is seen as a public statement by other communities and non Muslims absolutely hate it the same way Muslims hate the Bhajans on the loudspeakers. Muslims consider themselves as minorities and therefore they must try to put themselves in the majority of the population and feel how the non Muslims feel it. In today’s day and age loudspeakers are not required for any religion. We have enough technology to pray and enjoy bhajans in their own privacy. Therefore there is no need to put loudspeakers on temples or on mosques

  7. Islaam is all about peace and offering, Azaan is for believers and as well as for non-believers. Islaam offers non-muslims many great things and also Azaan itself says, haiya alas salah – haiya allal falah which means come for prayer come for success, success is in prayer and through prayer you succeed and get yourself enter in Jannah-Heaven. If you’ll try to understand what peace islaam offers then you’ll won’t ever judge our offering.

    • If he is debating on the basis of his sleep saying he is being awake due to the sound of azaan, don’t he mind the bhajans and ghanta sounds banging out every single day morning around 4-5PM and how about the drum being played in every festival, think about the people who have anxiety and panic attacks due to this heavy noise. If we have to live, we can be happy with everything and if we have to fight we can fight about every small point. Think about it before pointing out any religion.

  8. Pls try to understand the meaning of Azan. Its a call for your success, n number of people are following islam for its very good rules and found the success . Islam is for all , follow n reach to success.
    1 Early wakeup makes u healthy n active
    2 afternoon you will be blessed with rich in your food
    3 early every evening you will get 💪
    4 evening time you will get obedience of yor spouses
    5 early nigh you will be good sleep n with huge blessings for each breathing.

    • Not needed in India. Here you to follow the secular lifestyle like we all do. Occasionally on festivals like Eid it is fine but not daily. Ban is coming soon. Every daily loudspeaker irrespective of which religion uses them for daily noise will be banned

    • 5am n 6am is good to wake up and heathy but ur Azam start at 3:30am or 4am and who the hell want to wake up so early. God or Allah will hear you wen u pray from ur heart n not by shouting in a speaker n disturbing all the people around. You pple r so educated u don’t know harming the mother earth it’s a sound Pollution.

      • Bro , the AZAAN starts from 5:30 am and ends about 6: 00 am in respective colonies
        Only in the month of Ramzan sahar starts from 3:30

  9. Oh yeah ! If you want equality then give up minority reservations, minority schools and colleges, special hostals, separate laws, special boards, special fundings, subsidies etc. etc. etc. Then nobody will use loud speakers.

  10. Vehicle horn, music and prayers all are disturbing when it reaches a volume thats too high. It also influence people daily when its heard. Each and every km there is one. No need of loud prayers its unnecessary. People are living too close to each other everywhere with hell kind of traffic all around. In between that it feel suffocating to hear such high sound. Now a days its a good tool for influencing. Great step if its going to be stopped.

  11. There is a difference between “speakers” and “loudspeakers” …..If that is understood …..Problem is solved for all people of the world.

  12. I love the way they call for prayers. Even Temples and. Churches esp hardcore evangelical prayer houses are using loud speakers for hours together. Best is set a decibel level and irrespective of religion ban cone speakers. Also make speakers play upward so that sound travel in air without hitting somebodys ears badly.

  13. Soft pro right wing statement, when authorities are giving permission then why are you forcing us to give up loudspeakers as a gesture. Gestures should always come from minorities right..? Let majority community give it up it as gesture and we will stop right away. I reside near to a temple, temples start their loudspeakers morning 6. I don’t have any problem. May be you have not read the calcutta high court judgement on loudspeakers.

  14. See we muslims need azan because that’s how we know when it’s the prayer time , people will say why can’t we just check on our phones and stuff look not all of us has phones and technology . And has all the other comments it’s not true prophet please be upon him , was on other period of time not like us . We all religion has different ways to pray eat different stuff and azan is one of them has a Muslim I respect other religion . Azan is just for five minutes or three just respect it for just few minutes and If u say it’s noise pollution srry it’s wrong cuz we all use cars in temples you people have bells I church’s u have bells it’s for there uses and rules in each religion and we should respect it and about slaughtering we do it in a way pls do ur information if u hate Islam I understand it’s ur mind it’s ur heart but keep it there , not by disrespecting it that’s bad thank u have a great day brothers and sisters

    • Its a noise pollution …and a utter nonsense. It just not 5 mins it 5 times a day ..365 days n 24 *7 …u guys need a call for ur prayers?? Then why do even need to prayer in such fashion troubling others.?? Friday’s u guys go crazy on loudspeakers ..do u guys have any idea how that troubles the surrounding??

  15. Leave the Religion alone!
    Why don’t you guys find another way (which is good and not bringing other Religion down) to put bread on your plate? Stupid channel.

  16. যারা যারা এমন টা মনে করেন যে আজান এ
    আপনাদের ঘুম ভেংগে যাচ্ছে তাদের কে একটাই অনুরোধ যে আপনারাও তাহলে বছরে তেরো বার এক সপ্তাহ ধরে দিন রাত পুজো আচ্চা করার জন্য গাছে গাছে মাইক না লাগিয়ে বাজনা টা না বাজিয়ে করবেন ।।
    ধন্যবাদ।।

  17. One thing is sure, he has ensured one more promotion at least, for pandering to Sangh Pariwar’ s fascist agenda.

  18. Azaan Or Call to Prayer is an essential part of Muslim’s Life.It is necessary to be called five times a day to mosques for prayer and it is fully up to the believer whether to come or not.But the main point is that they should be called five times a day.This journal is ought to hurt the feeling of our muslim brothers and is seen as a breaker to the unity of Hindus and Muslims. So please stop posting these journals as they could be a threat to our secular family.

    • पहले तो loudspeakerनहीं हुआ करते थे शांति से सभी अजान किया करते अब उन सबको ज्यादा भाव चढ़ गया है अपने धर्म का चिल्ला चिल्ला कर जनसंख्या वृद्धि कर रहे हैं अबे जो अजान होता है उस पूरे वाक्य का मतलब पता है तुझे

      • I

        I was getting disturbing every day in the early in the morning ….by bhajjans and temple sounds with loudspeakers…before starting before of azaan and it will go on for whole day mostly ….
        I am adjusting here because I respect other religions ….but azaan is just about 2 or 3 min …please respect .
        If you people want to remove loudspeakers as it was not there in past …
        It should be removed from all temples , churches, mosques ….
        Because in the past for preaching there are no loud speakers …
        Either respect or reject all …

  19. Dear IPS, you are a mentally sick person that you are comparing Prophet time to the present time. That time what was population and what is now? To your knowledge, that times azan was performing on a high space like the roof or some rock because people can hear the sound and when performing namaz with gathering, then takbeer was calling in between rows that people can hear properly. Now the population is too thick, even only surrounding houses can hear the azan rest cannot. This is a religion, not the service book that you can manage as your will. Yes, I agree to Loudspeaker dismal volume can be high and it must be as per rules. Many mosques are truly using high dismal and can be managed. But your stupid opinion and briefing regarding Islam are showing that you are also the same class attendee of Wasim rizvi. Please don;t say anything, when you don’t have Gyan about this. Your type of so-called intellectual class of Muslims is really big harm for Indian Muslim society. Go to hell with your entire family because your mentality is showing, how you educate your children.

    • Assalamu alaykum, very brief & nice reply to so called liberal and broad minded, bul Jahil (illeterate) type of Muslims who doesn’t have even the basic knowledge of Hadith.

  20. [45:14] Al-Jāthiyah-الْجَاثِيَة
    “قُلۡ لِّلَّذِیۡنَ اٰمَنُوۡا یَغۡفِرُوۡا لِلَّذِیۡنَ لَا یَرۡجُوۡنَ اَیَّامَ اللّٰہِ لِیَجۡزِیَ قَوۡمًۢا بِمَا کَانُوۡا یَکۡسِبُوۡنَ ﴿۱۴﴾

    Say to the believers to disregard those who neither hope for nor fear (the coming of) the Days of Allah, so that He may give them full reward of those (deeds) which they used to earn.
    Irfan Ul Quran App for Android

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