Ulema calls for ban on noisy loudspeakers

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Mon, 11/09/2009 12:21 PM  |  National

The South Kalimantan’s chapter of Indonesian Ulema Council has proposed an edict that bans the use of loudspeakers if it is considered to be disturbing other people, even though they are used to broadcast the call to prayer five times a day or a sermon.
 
Council member Muhammad Noor, who is a lecturer at Antasari State Islamic Institute in the provincial capital of Banjarmasin, told Antara state news agency Monday that a group of ulema attending a discussion in Tabalong regency recently concluded that deafening loudspeakers, albeit for good purposes, could spark disagreement among Muslims and non-Muslims due to the noise and discomfort caused.
 
Noor said the ulema suggested that Muslims exercise their freedom of religion without sacrificing the rights of other people.
 
Participants of the discussion agreed that the use of loudspeakers was aimed at propagating Islam, but its excessive application might be counterproductive.

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Joann (not verified), Malaysia — Fri, 01/01/2010 - 9:20pm

From the Quran: The fifth rule demands that you decline from making your own choices. The mureed is not allowed to undertake anything – neither religious nor worldly, universal or particular – without finding out what the shaykh wants and chooses. You should not eat nor drink, nor dress yourself, nor give presents, nor sleep, nor take, nor give but with the permission of the shaykh. You should not perform any religious practices without the permission and the specification of your shaykh, like for instance fasting or taking food, voluntary devotional practices or limiting yourself to those practices which are obligatory or the remembrance of God, the recitation of the Qur’an and being absorbed in something. It so happened one night that the messenger passed the house of Abu Bakr and overheard him reciting the Qur’an in his nightly prayers with a low voice. Then he passed the house of ‘Umar and heard him recite the Qur’an in his nightly prayers in a loud voice. When the two of them came to the messenger of God in the morning he asked Abu Bakr why he recited the Qur’an in his nightly prayers in a low voice. He answered: “I listen to the One with Whom I converse”. He asked ‘Umar why he recited in a loud voice. He answered: “I drive away the Satan and I awake the one who is sleeping”. Then he ordered them that they should not recite in a too soft voice nor in a voice that is too loud, they should follow a middle course. Then the Quranic verse 17:110 was revealed: “And pray neither with a loud nor with a low voice, but follow a middle course”. This is a proof that when you have a spiritual guide you should not follow your own insight. This is also true when this concerns a true insight.

PaulSumual (not verified), Jakarta — Sun, 11/15/2009 - 11:27pm

As a non muslim, i am already interested in knowing what aspect in Islam motivated these particular muslims to act so wisely in comparison to their counterparts who foolishly force their values on others. Hopefully the edict gets passed and acts as a good precedent for wiser edicts in the future. Perhaps they can make an edict banning FPI and the likes. An edict against vandalizing worship places of other religions would also be nice.

Hec (not verified), bali — Fri, 11/13/2009 - 8:46pm

time to ban ulema loudly!!!

Aktifistri (not verified), china — Fri, 11/13/2009 - 6:52pm

brilliant and enlightening! Ironically it doesn't happen in Jakarta yet, while as a capital city it is full of intelectuals?? A bit funny but still amazing how it occurs firstly in a little regency of Kalimantan (proud that my sister in law comes from the regency). This helps me to regain a confidence of the faith i embraced, especially with my non-muslim husband! Thanks mr. Noor..thanks enlightened muslims!

Marcus (not verified), Bandung — Fri, 11/13/2009 - 10:35am

Congratulations to South Kalimantan's Indonesian Ulema Council !

Tex (not verified), jember — Fri, 11/13/2009 - 12:04am

Thank God!

Zaki zaim (not verified), Singapore — Wed, 11/11/2009 - 10:52pm

The loudspeakers have a purpose. Muslims must not become apologists for their religion but rather clarify matters clearly and simply to those who are ignorant or misunderstand certain aspects of the religion and its purpose. I agree however that with regards to high volume and unecessary speeches that have a negative effect on the surrounding communities must be considered with wisdom and justice.

Vanu (not verified), Jakarta — Wed, 11/11/2009 - 9:45am

Inshallah mohon Allah please encourage your followers to turn down or off their loudspeakers. I believe more non-believers are turned off to Islam because of this disturbance than encouraged to join.

Purdi (not verified), jakarta — Tue, 11/10/2009 - 6:32pm

people may use beeper to remind themselves for prayer instead. beeper surely more personalized and avoid disturbs anybody else...

Andyshort76 — Tue, 11/10/2009 - 12:58pm

Well done to the ulema involved in this discussion! Considering the archaic intolerance in Aceh recently with stoning laws and outlawing women in trousers, it is truly comforting to know that there are sensitive, understanding Muslims in this part of the country, South Kalimantan, who can see and think laterally. Although a non-muslim, I am, and always have been drawn to the sound of the call to prayer and for me it is genuinely pleasant to listen to..not through cheap, over amplified speakers, however. After all it is not for promotion or propaganda, but for prayer.
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