Tuesday, November 10, 2009 3:12
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.
Comments (8) | Post comment A | A | A | | | | | | | 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.
Andrea L. (not verified), Pittsburgh, PA — Tue, 11/10/2009 - 9:45am
A similar move may need to be followed in the DKI, Jakarta. Call of the prayers done naturally by a well versed ADULT voice is totally soothing even comforting. But unnecessary sermons on broken loudspeakers in the early morning or during the day is a disturbance to the ears. Why the need to propagate Islam furthermore in a majority Muslim country? Religion is a private matter in my opinion. Certainly Indonesian Muslims will find a common harmonious understanding in their neighborhood since Islam claims to be a religion of peace. Hope my next visit to Indonesia will not be startled by a broken loudspeaker in the wee hours of the morning...
Lianto Osa (not verified), Jakarta — Mon, 11/09/2009 - 10:25pm
I am an atheist and am supporting this brilliant idea. 100% agree!
Karim2 (not verified), Lombok Barat, NTB — Mon, 11/09/2009 - 5:54pm
Congratulations to the council for its enlightened attitude.
GS (not verified), Britain — Mon, 11/09/2009 - 5:40pm
Show respect for your neighbours rights; issue bleepers or telephone devotees to prayers. Personally I do not mind when the call to prayers by Mosques is well done, even when it is at dawn. What I object to is the "right" for people with the worst chanting voices in the village to reek revenge on their non-Muslim neighbours. Singapore has the right idea!
Briand (not verified), jakarta — Mon, 11/09/2009 - 3:45pm
Ulemas from all across Indonesia should follow this example.
Michael Kreuzberg (not verified), Tarakan — Mon, 11/09/2009 - 12:54pm
A very good initiative to enable the peaceful coexistence of different religions, I hope it will be successful!
Bob h (not verified), Jakarta — Mon, 11/09/2009 - 12:52pm
I am not a muslim but I live 20mtrs from a mosque I do not mind the loud speakers if they are tuned properly and not turned up so loud as to distort the sound coming from them. Distorted voices are probably the most disturbing thing I can think of.
