Loudspeakers in mosques limited to four
HIGH VOLUME CAN AFFECT VULNERABLE, ELDERLY AND CHILDREN: SAUDI MINISTER
Saudi Arabia has issued directives to restrict the use of loudspeakers in mosques across the Kingdom, local media reported.
Minister of Islamic Affairs Shaikh Dr. Abdul Latif Bin Abdul Aziz Al Shaikh has set the number of external loudspeakers at four only to be used in mosques to make the prayer calls.
Dr. Al Shaikh issued instructions to mosque Imams to remove external loudspeakers exceeding four from all mosques and store the extra ones in a warehouse for later use or distribute them to mosques that do not have enough numbers of them.
The move comes almost two months ahead of Ramadan, which is expected to fall on March 23, though it will be confirmed with an official declaration following moonsighting to sight the crescent of the month of Ramadan.
Last year, the ministry issued restrictions on volume levels for loudspeakers at mosques during the fasting month. Speakers must not exceed a third of their maximum volume. Officials at the ministry asked mosque staff to ensure they abide by circulars that limit the use of external loudspeakers for the first (adhan) and second (Iqamah) calls to prayer.
The move comes almost two months ahead of Ramadan, which is expected to fall on March 23, though it will be confirmed with an official declaration following moonsighting to sight the crescent of the month of Ramadan.
Live transmission banned
It also stressed that speakers cannot be used for additional prayers during the holy month, and banned the live transmission of prayers from mosques on all types of media during last Ramadan.
The ministry said that using external loudspeakers at a high volume could affect the vulnerable, the elderly and young children and drown out prayers held in nearby mosques.
Al Shaikh said at that time the decision followed complaints included those from parents who said the loudspeakers were disturbing their children’s sleep.
Al Shaikh said that those who want to pray do not need to wait for the Imam’s call to prayer.
The restrictions come as Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman continues attempts to make Saudi Arabia more liberal and lessen the role religion plays in public life.