Azaan: Muslim leaders in KZN call for moderation in mosque loudspeaker
'Consideration for neighbouring communities'
THE Jamiatul Ulama KwaZulu-Natal has issued guidelines encouraging mosques to moderate their use of loudspeakers during the early morning call to prayer (Fajr), balancing religious practice with consideration for neighbouring communities. This is the Grey Street Mosque in Durban
Image: Peter Duffy
THE Jamiatul Ulama KwaZulu-Natal has issued guidelines encouraging mosques to moderate their use of loudspeakers during the early morning call to prayer (Fajr), balancing religious practice with consideration for neighbouring communities.
The organisation said it had received a number of complaints regarding the loud amplification of the Azaan (call to prayer), especially at the time of Fajr.
It emphasised that while the Azaan was a vital Islamic symbol, its electronic amplification was not a religious requirement.
The organisation stressed that volume should not cause inconvenience or hardship, particularly to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, the sick, or young children.
In a statement issued last week, the organisation reaffirmed the central importance of the Azaan in Islam, describing it as “a great and vital symbol of our beautiful Deen, serving as a public declaration of the call to Salaah and a reminder of our devotion to Allah Ta'ala”.
The Ulama acknowledged that many mosques across South Africa broadcast the five daily prayers using a PA system and expressed gratitude for the religious freedom enjoyed by Muslims in the country.
“Alhamdulillah, as South African Muslims, we enjoy the great freedom to practise Islam openly and without hindrance,” the statement read, adding that the community continues to make du'aa for this freedom to be preserved as a blessing from Allah Ta'ala.
However, the organisation noted that as Muslims constituted a minority within predominantly non-Muslim communities, sensitivity towards neighbours was essential. According to the statement, a number of complaints had been received regarding the loud amplification of the Azaan, especially at the time of Fajr.
“It is not in keeping with the principles and spirit of our Deen that we cause disturbance or discomfort to others, especially through loud amplification at such early hours,” the KZN Jamiatul Ulama said in the statement.
It also also clarified an important jurisprudential point, emphasising that while the Azaan itself was an act of ‘ibaadah, the use of electronic amplification was not a requirement of Shariah.
“The Azaan itself is an act of 'ibaadah, but its amplification through electronic means is not obligatory,” the organisation explained.
Regarding the remaining prayer times, the Jamiatul Ulama KZN stated that the use of PA systems could continue, provided that sound levels were kept moderate and reasonable. They stressed that volume should not cause inconvenience or hardship, particularly to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, the sick, or young children.
The organisation concluded the statement by highlighting that this approach reflects the broader Islamic values of balance, wisdom, and mercy.
“This reflects the balance, wisdom, and mercy of our Shariah, which guides us to uphold our religious practices while maintaining harmony, consideration, and good character in all aspects of our lives,” the statement said.