Mosque and loud speaker

Mosque and loud speaker

From Pikiran Rakyat

Instruction No. Kep/D/101/1078 dated June, 17, 1978, issued by the Directorate General of Islamic Religion of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, regulates the use of loud speakers in mosques, mushola, and langgar.

In line with this instruction, the religious affairs office in the Purworejo Regency issued Instruction No. MK. 27/3-d/72/87 dated April 6, 1987, which contains the following guidelines:

* The voice channeled through loudspeakers is for the adzan (call to prayer), which tells Moslems it is time for sholat (prayer).

* Koran reciting and pre-dawn sermons are meant only for the jemaat (congregation) inside the places of worship and not for the entire, surrounding community.

* The volume of the loudspeakers must be set in such a way that it produces nice, pleasant sounds and so avoids unpleasant noise.

* The Koran reciter should have a melodic voice.

* During Ramadhan (fasting month) loudspeakers, positioned outward, can be used for one hour, 8.30-9.30 p.m. for tadarrus (announcements).

* On the eve of Idul Fitri/Idul Adha (takbiran), loudspeakers can be turned outwards.

Discipline as well as a good understanding of these instructions, are essential, as well as practical, for living in our complex society.

SUKARYAN

Banjar, West Java