The Loudspeaker Menace: Islamic Guidelines On Noise Pollution; Respect For Others Is Integral To Islam

By Grace Mubashir, New Age Islam 16 February 2024 While Some May Argue For The Use Of Loudspeakers Based On Practices In Other Faiths, It Is Essential To Recognize That The Primary Objective Of Religious Observance Should Be To Bring Solace And Harmony To Individuals And Their Communities. Therefore, Adherents Of Islam Must Strive To Ensure That Their Religious Practices Do Not Disrupt The Peaceful Coexistence Of Others And Demonstrate Respect And Consideration For Their Neighbours. Major Point: 1. Islam attaches great importance to the peaceful and healthy existence of human society. Therefore, the Qur'an commands that there should not be too much noise. 2. The number of Azaan at the same time from various Masjids in a single locality has to be reduced in the interest of public convenience. 3. Ultimately, addressing the issue of Adhan volume requires a nuanced approach that considers religious freedom, community needs, and the well-being of all residents. Through respectful dialogue, understanding, and collaborative efforts, a solution can be found that upholds both religious expression and peaceful coexistence. ------- I remember the time when I woke up to the sound of a rooster crowing in the morning. Now the alarm and siren wake us up. Today, even in the outskirts of the country, ear-splitting music and ear-splitting uproar are taking place round the clock. Not to mention cities in terms of noise. Let's leave the health problems of the people in the areas where the fighter planes and bombers are roaring for the time being. However, listening too much for too long to the music waves emitted by the countless musical and electronic devices that are the contributions of modern technology is enough to de-sensitize the ears of the next generation. Loud music sometimes reaches 120 decibels. If you listen to it continuously for more than half an hour, it can hurt the health of the ear. With cassettes containing a few songs on the way out and devices capable of listening for hours in one sitting taking over, music can also become a health concern. During football games etc., the noise from the spectators in the stadiums reaches up to 120 decibels. Not only the sounds coming from planes, vehicles and machines but also the noise coming from humans is dangerous if it is exceeded. This is where the guidelines given by Islam in the field of noise control are relevant. Islam attaches great importance to the peaceful and healthy existence of human society. Therefore, the Qur'an commands that there should not be too much noise. Allah says: `Be moderate in your conduct and moderate your voice. Indeed, the most hateful of sounds is the braying of a donkey” (Luqman 19). This verse indicates that speech should not be offensive to others. The Qur'an enjoins that the voice should not be excessive not only in the normal speech of people during their daily life but also in their acts of worship. Allah says: ‘Do not make your prayer loud. Don't slow it down. Seek a way between it'' (Isra 110). Today, in some mosques in our country, on Friday nights, Monday nights and on occasions like the month of Milad and Jilani week, we hear loud dhikrs and Salats going through the loudspeakers. This is not only an annoyance to the local residents but also completely against Islamic principles. There is no doubt that glorifying Allah's blessings and saying Salat on behalf of His Messengers are very virtuous deeds in Islam. But in the interest of the Qur'anic saying, `Do not make your prayer loud'', care must be taken not to make it too loud. If we examine the hadiths, we can see that the Prophet also forbade intense remembrance of God. Narrated by Abu Musa Al Ash'ari. He said: We were on a journey with the Prophet. Then people started reciting Takbeer loudly. Then the Prophet said: O people, be moderate. Because you are not calling a deaf or absent person. He who hears and is near. He is with you” (Hadith Muslim). This hadith indicates that dhikrs and Salats should not be recited to the malefactors. A high-pitched voice in religious ceremonies is desirable on certain occasions. For example, during the Hajj, the Prophet asked his companions to recite Talbayat etc. in a loud voice. That is why the guests of Allah try to call out Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik (We have come in response to your call) in a loud voice. It is particularly noteworthy that even on the occasions of Hajj where maximum volume is allowed, systems such as loudspeakers are not used for prayers etc. Although it is a great virtue to gather together in the houses of Allah and remember Him, there is no evidence in the scriptures that it is heard by the people through loudspeakers; It can sometimes lead to showmanship that makes actions ineffective. The number of Azaan at the same time from various Masjids in a single locality has to be reduced in the interest of public convenience. Islam is not only for Muslims but is a grace for the entire humanity. Noise pollution: In densely populated areas, loudspeakers used for the Azan can contribute to noise pollution, potentially causing disturbance and affecting sleep, especially late at night or early in the morning. This can be a concern for people of all faiths and backgrounds. Respect for other religions: Some argue that excessive noise from any religious practice, including amplified calls to prayer, should be moderated to show respect for people of other faiths who may be observing their own religious practices or simply seeking peace and quiet. Regulations and guidelines: India has existing noise pollution regulations, and some argue that religious institutions, including mosques, should adhere to these regulations to ensure a balance between religious expression and the well-being of the community. While the Azaan is traditionally called aloud from mosques to alert worshippers of prayer times, the use of loudspeakers is not a requirement in Islam. Some Muslims argue that the Azaan should be given aloud but not necessarily through loudspeakers, citing Quranic verses that emphasize humility and secrecy in prayer. However, since the Azaan is intended to gather believers for communal prayers, it is typically delivered aloud to fulfil its purpose effectively. Despite the significance of the Azaan, there are instances where its delivery can cause inconvenience or annoyance to others, particularly when multiple mosques in close proximity broadcast the call simultaneously. Additionally, concerns arise when individuals with poor pronunciation or loud voices deliver the Azaan, detracting from its intended solemnity. To address these issues, some Muslim communities have implemented restrictions on the use of loudspeakers, opting to limit their use to one prominent mosque in an area or to restrict their use within mosque premises. However, the enforcement of such restrictions varies, and not all communities have been successful in implementing them. In some regions, authorities have intervened to regulate the use of mosque loudspeakers, aiming to mitigate noise pollution and promote a more harmonious environment. However, meaningful reform in this regard ultimately depends on the willingness of the Muslim community to address these issues internally and prioritize the peace and well-being of all members of society. While some may argue for the use of loudspeakers based on practices in other faiths, it is essential to recognize that the primary objective of religious observance should be to bring solace and harmony to individuals and their communities. Therefore, adherents of Islam must strive to ensure that their religious practices do not disrupt the peaceful coexistence of others and demonstrate respect and consideration for their neighbours. Ultimately, true reform must come from within the community itself, guided by principles of compassion, understanding, and mutual respect. Ultimately, addressing the issue of Azan volume requires a nuanced approach that considers religious freedom, community needs, and the well-being of all residents. Through respectful dialogue, understanding, and collaborative efforts, a solution can be found that upholds both religious expression and peaceful coexistence. A believer is obliged to make every effort to prevent noise pollution by controlling the volume of his speech and prayers. Moreover, he needs to control the words that come out of his mouth. Because the Qur'an says that the angels are observing and writing down every word he utters. Allah says:`Whenever he utters a word, there is not a watcher standing by him'' (Qaf 18). ----- A regular columnist for NewAgeIslam.com, Mubashir V.P is a PhD scholar in Islamic Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia and freelance journalist. URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-society/loudspeaker-menace-islamic-noise-pollution/d/131733 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism