Saudi Arabia’s decision to limit loudspeakers in mosques has been updated. Many praised the decision to lower decibel limits in a country with tens of thousands of mosques.
The Islamic Affairs Minister of Saudi Arabia has approved mosques across the kingdom to utilize outdoor loudspeakers at maximum volume during Eid and Friday prayers.
This decision comes after last week’s public outcry, leading the administration to reduce the volume. The most recent decision was to accommodate the increased number of worshipers attending Eid and Friday prayers and guarantee that those worshiping outside may hear the imam throughout the sermon and prayer.
According to the ministry of Islamic Affairs, fragile, elderly, and young children might get affected by the high volume use of outdoor loudspeakers and drown out prayers done in surrounding mosques.
Even though many people welcomed the move to reduce the decibel level in the home to tens of thousands of mosques, the decisions also stirred debate on social media. A hashtag calls for banning loud music in restaurants and cafes, gaining attraction.
Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz al-sheik, Minister of Islamic Affairs, said that the criticism was being spread by the kingdom’s enemies, who wanted to control public opinion.
Throughout rThenment has promoted moderate Islamic ideals in the region and worldwide. It has also loosened societal prohibitions throughout recent years, such as prohibiting women from driving and permitting gender-mixed concerts and athletic events, which had been in place for decades. Many Saudis, two-thirds of whom are under 30, have embraced the looser social standards.
In an interview with Al Ekhabariya TV Channel on Monday, Dr. Al Sheikh said that loudspeakers in mosques are daily. It is not something derived from Sharia. Banning them should not raise concerns among Muslims.
According to Dr. Al Sheikh, the adhan (call to prayer) is made at prayer time; thus, people should rush to the mosque instead of waiting for the iqamah (second call to prayer), exclusively for those within the mosque. He also added that the worshippers should be in the mosque on time.
