Loudspeakers in mosques

Loudspeakers in mosques
A mosque minaret in Hyderabad, Pakistan fitted with loudspeakers in all directions.

Loudspeakers in mosques are generally used for Adhan or "call to prayer",[1] or sometimes for Khutbah or sermons. External loudspeakers are generally mounted on tall minarets. Mosque loudspeakers are used for a call to prayer, five times a day. Loudspeakers, other than external ones, are sometimes also used inside the mosque to deliver sermons or for Prayer.

External loudspeakers are often kept at a very high volume, so that the sound is heard as far as 5km. It can be amplified over 120 to 130 decibels. [2] In areas where more than one mosque is present, the loudspeaker sounds overlap one another,[3] especially in the early morning when sounds are more clearly heard. This noise sometimes results in people of other religions migrating away from a mosque's area in order to avoid the noise, along with other factors.[4]

Contents

Opposition

There has been opposition to outdoor loudspeakers in western countries. In Cologne Mosque project in Germany the installation of loudspeakers are opposed and stopped.[5] In Oxford, UK it was opposed saying that broadcasting using loudspeakers would turn the city into a Muslim ghetto.[6] In Al-Islah Mosque Michigan, US, the installation of outdoor loudspeakers was opposed.[7]

It is even opposed, though unsuccessfully, in India where Muslims are minority.[8] Supporters of loudspeakers argue that it is freedom of religion to use them.[9]

Misuse

Loudspeakers are often misused for political purposes which was opposed by government authorities.[10] Loudspeakers are sometimes used to guide or incite riots. Incidents involving this were reported in Acre, Israel,[11] in Indonesia,[12] near Lahore, Pakistan[13] and Nandurbar, Maharashtra state, India.[14] Pakistan even banned use of loudspeakers other than for "Call to Prayer" following a riot.[15]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Adhan And Iqamat (Iqamah)". Hizmetbooks.org. http://www.hizmetbooks.org/Endless_Bliss_Fourth_Fascicle/Endless_Bliss_Fourth_Fascicle_Chapter_11.htm. Retrieved 2010-01-15. 
  2. ^ Riyadh (Afp) (2009-04-25). "Variety News | Saudi cracks down on blaring mosque speakers". Alarabiya.net. http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2009/04/25/71421.html. Retrieved 2010-01-15. 
  3. ^ "[IslamCity] Cairo's Dilemma Over Prayer Calls". Mail-archive.com. 2005-05-09. http://www.mail-archive.com/islamcity@yahoogroups.com/msg02720.html. Retrieved 2010-01-15. 
  4. ^ "Hard-liners won battle for Bridgeview mosque :: IPT in the News :: The Investigative Project on Terrorism". Investigativeproject.org. http://www.investigativeproject.org/132/hard-liners-won-battle-for-bridgeview-mosque. Retrieved 2010-01-15. 
  5. ^ Landler, Mark (2007-07-05). "Germans Split Over a Mosque and the Role of Islam". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/05/world/europe/05cologne.html?_r=2&pagewanted=all. Retrieved 2010-05-11. 
  6. ^ "Mosque's plan to broadcast call to prayer from loudspeaker 'will create Muslim ghetto' | Mail Online". Dailymail.co.uk. 2008-01-14. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-504373/Mosques-plan-broadcast-prayer-loudspeaker-create-Muslim-ghetto.html. Retrieved 2010-01-15. 
  7. ^ Leland, John (2004-05-05). "Call to Prayer in Michigan Causes Tension". NYTimes.com. http://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/05/national/05PRAY.html?ei=5007&en=664e9b700df4fdb9&ex=1399089600&partner=USERLAND&pagewanted=all&position=. Retrieved 2010-01-15. [dead link]
  8. ^ "Anti-noise crusader for curbs on loudspeaker use in mosques". Thaindian.com. http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/enviornment/anti-noise-crusader-for-curbs-on-loudspeaker-use-in-mosques_10071355.html. Retrieved 2010-01-15. 
  9. ^ "Michigan: Despite the outcry, mosque to proceed with loudspeaker call to prayer". Jihad Watch. http://www.jihadwatch.org/dhimmiwatch/archives/002037.php. Retrieved 2010-01-15. 
  10. ^ "Mosques not to be used as political platforms". Saudiembassy.net. 2002-12-07. http://www.saudiembassy.net/archive/2002/press/page3.aspx. Retrieved 2010-01-15. 
  11. ^ "Israel: Mosque loudspeakers used to rally Muslim rioters in Acre". Jihad Watch. http://www.jihadwatch.org/2008/10/israel-mosque-loudspeakers-used-to-rally-muslim-rioters-in-acre.html. Retrieved 2010-01-15. 
  12. ^ "Indonesia: Urged on over mosque loudspeakers, Muslims go on rampage against students of Christian theological school to "drive out the unwanted neighbor"". Jihad Watch. http://www.jihadwatch.org/dhimmiwatch/archives/022061.php. Retrieved 2010-01-15. 
  13. ^ "Muslim Mob Burns Down 100 Christian Homes in Pakistan « News of Persecution & Suffering « International Christian Concern". Persecution.org. 2009-07-01. http://www.persecution.org/suffering/newssummpopup.php?newscode=10386. Retrieved 2010-01-15. 
  14. ^ "Mosques must get permission to install loudspeakers: Dy CM". Indianexpress.com. http://www.indianexpress.com/ie/daily/19991215/ina15052.html. Retrieved 2010-01-15. 
  15. ^ "Pakistan limits mosque loudspeakers to call to prayer. 1/11/01. ABC News Online". Abc.net.au. http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200111/s406180.htm. Retrieved 2010-01-15. 

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