In recent years, the use of external speakers at mosques in Oman has come under scrutiny due to their excessive noise and disturbance to the community. As a result, the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs has made the decision to limit the use of external speakers to only the call to prayer, in an effort to reduce noise pollution and maintain a peaceful environment. In this article, we explore the reasons behind this decision, its impact on the community, and the reactions it has garnered from various stakeholders.
The Sultanate of Oman, a country on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, has just issued a new regulation regarding the use of loudspeakers in mosques. The Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs, headed by Dr. Mohammed bin Saeed bin Khalfan Al-Maamari, has issued a ministerial resolution amending some provisions of the Mosques Regulations. In particular, the new regulation limits the use of external loudspeakers in mosques to the call to prayer only, and imposes a fine on those who violate this provision.
Under the previous regulations, the use of external loudspeakers in mosques was not explicitly limited to the call to prayer only. However, the new resolution clarifies that this is indeed the case. According to the first article of the new resolution, the text of Article 39 of the Mosques Regulations is replaced with the following: “The use of external loudspeakers in mosques and chapels shall be limited to raising the call to prayer.” This means that any other use of loudspeakers, such as broadcasting sermons or religious lectures, is now prohibited.
The new regulation is meant to address concerns over noise pollution and disturbance of public peace. Many Omani citizens have complained about the loudness of mosque loudspeakers, especially during non-prayer times, which can be especially disruptive during social events, weddings or funerals. With this new regulation, mosques can continue to broadcast the call to prayer, but they must do so at a reasonable volume to protect the rights of those living in the vicinity.
The regulation also imposes a fine on those who violate this provision. Under Article 56 of the new resolution, an administrative fine not exceeding OMR 1,000 may be imposed in case of violation of the provisions of this regulation. This fine is intended to deter mosques from using loudspeakers for non-prayer purposes, and to encourage them to be mindful of their neighbors and the local community at large.
It is important to note that this regulation applies only to the use of external loudspeakers in mosques, and not to internal ones. Mosques are still free to use internal loudspeakers for any purpose they see fit, as long as they do not disturb the peace or infringe on the rights of their neighbors.
Overall, the new regulation is a welcome development in Oman, as it seeks to balance the religious needs of the community with the rights of its citizens. With this regulation, mosques can continue to play an important role in Omani society, while also being responsible members of the community. It is hoped that this resolution will lead to a more harmonious relationship between mosques and their neighbors in Oman.
