UNFORTUNATELY, any discussion that even has a passive reference to religion ends up being declared blasphemous. Loudspeakers have become a core part of mosque culture.

To the extent that they are supposed to relay azan to remind people of the impending prayer time, it is acceptable. But does it make any sense to mount eight to 12 loudspeakers and that too with ear deafening sound?

On top of that, prayer leaders (mosque controllers) seem to take pride in how far their loudspeakers can carry the sound.

Who can dare to raise his voice? What about any sick person or someone preparing for examinations or even trying to sleep?

You cannot convince these people. No matter how convincing you are, local authorities won’t do anything, citing their helplessness.

There is just one simple solution. Limit the number of outdoor speakers on mosques like four at the most to cover all directions. But who will bell the cat?

Syed Ahmed Yahya

Rawalpindi

Published in Dawn, August 28th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play