Say No to Loudspeakers

We are living in a world which is technologically advancing with each day. Technology is being put to use in almost every field of life be it medicine, banking, communication etc, everywhere we are using more usage of and dependence on technology. We often want technology to make our life better and more comfortable. The use of latest communication technologies has made our life comfortable in various fields of life. It is being put to use various spheres to upgrade the quality of human life.

Loudspeaker is not a very new technology but has been in use for a very long time. This is perhaps one technology which has added misery to human life. The fault though does not lay with the technology itself but how people in various societies are misusing it. The use of loudspeakers in religious places like mosques and temples has been a point of contention and various civil society groups have conducted campaigns against its misuse. A few years back the Delhi High Court had directed all mosques and temples in East Delhi to keep their decibel levels within a certain limit. The court had also directed them to place the loudspeakers in a certain position and at a certain height to minimize the sound emanating from it.

The issue of using loudspeakers in religious places, especially mosques has been a point of contention in the Kashmir valley for a few years now. There are people on both side of the divide: those who are in favor of using them and those who say their use in a mosque should be discontinued. Unfortunately a few years back, clashes also erupted in Ganderbal between two groups which led to loss of life.

Taking a holistic view of the whole issue, it makes sense that loudspeakers should not be used in places of religion. In Kashmir where the majority population is Muslim, this boils down to its use in mosques. Since it is a contentious issue in the valley, it needs to be dealt with tactfully. Loudspeakers are not only used for relaying Azaan, but also the Friday sermon, public speeches by clerics and for various other purposes. The level of noise that a loudspeaker causes creates a lot of disturbance in the neighborhood. It can be irritating for sick and old people and for students who want to study peacefully. As mature people, we should understand that we have certain duties and obligations towards our fellow human beings. Our worship and prayer should not be a source of nuisance to anyone, least of all to our neighbors, and old and sick people and children.

People in the valley should understand that in these times, this basic courtesy is expected in any decent and mature society. Civil society groups should come together and work out a solution to do away with this menace without resorting to any friction or violence among various groups. As a beginning, it should not be used in Friday sermons and other activities like Zikr o Azkaar. The internal sound system of a mosque should be enough for the worshippers In the mosque to be able to listen to the sermon. Subsequently its use can be discontinued in Azaan as well, since Muslims who regularly pray, know the time of every prayer. As a first step, the loudspeakers can be repositioned as well. It would be better if they are kept at a restricted height of not more than 6-8 feet from the ground. Changing the direction of the loudspeakers by making them face the wall of the building and not outside will reduce the noise levels. These are very simple and easy to follow things which will help dealing with this menace. In case the civil society on its own fails to bring about changes in the use of loudspeakers, the administration should take a firm stand against its use and completely ban it.  

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