Regulations on Loudspeaker Use at Mosques and Prayer Halls During Ramadan

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has regulated the use of loudspeakers at mosques and prayer halls during Ramadan. The provisions are set out in Circular Letter of the Minister of Religious Affairs No. 5 of 2022 on Guidelines for Loudspeaker Use at Mosques and Prayer Halls.

Under the circular, loudspeaker use at mosques and prayer halls during Ramadan — including for Tarawih prayers, Ramadan lectures and study sessions, and Quran recitation — must employ internal loudspeakers only. The aim is to ensure worship proceeds with solemnity whilst maintaining a comfortable environment for the surrounding community.

For other occasions, the following guidelines apply to loudspeaker use at mosques and prayer halls during Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and other major Islamic observances:

• Takbir on 1 Shawwal or 10 Dhul Hijjah at mosques and prayer halls may be conducted using external loudspeakers until 22:00 local time, after which internal loudspeakers should be used.
• Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha prayers may be conducted using external loudspeakers.
• Takbir for Eid al-Adha during the days of Tashreeq (11 to 13 Dhul Hijjah) may be proclaimed after the performance of consecutive Rawatib prayers using internal loudspeakers.
• Commemorations of major Islamic holidays or religious gatherings must use internal loudspeakers, unless the number of attendees overflows beyond the mosque or prayer hall grounds, in which case external loudspeakers may be used.

Guidelines for Loudspeaker Use During Prayer Times

The following are the procedures for loudspeaker use at mosques and prayer halls during prayer times:

1. Fajr:

• Before the call to prayer at the appointed time, Quran recitation or salawat/tarhim may use external loudspeakers for a maximum duration of 10 minutes.
• The performance of Fajr prayer, dhikr, supplication, and Fajr lectures must use internal loudspeakers.

2. Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha:

• Before the call to prayer at the appointed time, Quran recitation or salawat/tarhim may use external loudspeakers.
• After the call to prayer has been proclaimed, internal loudspeakers must be used.

3. Friday Prayer:

• Before the call to prayer at the appointed time, Quran recitation or salawat/tarhim may use external loudspeakers for a maximum duration of 10 minutes.
• Announcements regarding Friday prayer officers, charitable collection results, the delivery of the Friday sermon, prayer, dhikr, and supplication must use internal loudspeakers.