ATHAAN ON A PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEM
In its statement on Athaan on a PA system, the Jamiatul Ulama KZN mentioned:
“……………In this regard, a number of complaints have been received concerning the amplification of the Azaan, particularly at the time of Fajr. It is not in keeping with the principles and spirit of our Deen that we cause disturbance or discomfort to others, especially through loud amplification at such early hours.
It should also be noted that the use of a PA system for the Azaan is not a requirement of the Shari‘ah. The Azaan itself is an act of ‘ibaadah, but its amplification through electronic means is not obligatory.
As for the other Salaah times, the use of PA systems may continue; however, sound levels should remain moderate and acceptable, ensuring that they do not cause inconvenience or hardship to others, particularly the elderly, the ill, or young children.
This reflects the balance, wisdom, and mercy of our Shari‘ah, which guides us to uphold our religious practices while maintaining harmony, consideration, and good character in all aspects of our lives.” (End of Jamiat’s advice)
This is advice stemming from bootlicking!
The Jamiat has grievously erred in understanding that the Athaan delivered by means of the PA system constitutes a ‘disturbance’ or a ‘discomfort’ for ‘others’. Almost every tenet of Islam is denied and ridiculed by ‘others’. On the specific topic of the Athaan being denied and mocked by the kuffaar, the Qur’aan Majeed states:
“O People of Imaan! Do not take as friends those who have received the Book (Taurah) before you – those who make a mockery and a sport of your Deen. Fear Allah if indeed you are Mu’mineen.
“When you call towards Salaat (with the Athaan), they make a mockery and sport of it (the Athaan) because verily, they (‘others’) are people who are bereft of intelligence.” (Al-Maaidah, 57 & 58)
By describing the Athaan as a source of ‘disturbance and discomfort’, the Jamiat KZN has aligned itself with those kuffaar who abhor the Athaan, making a mockery of it. The Athaan over a PA system is not a discomfort nor a disturbance. However, hatred for Islam constrains the kuffaar to abhor the Athaan as well as all beliefs and practices of Islam.
We are aware that from time to time kuffaar have vigorously complained against the Athaan and have even reported the issue to the relevant authorities. While we are not criticizing the Jamiat’s request for moderating the sound levels, it was improper of the Jamiat to describe the Athaan as a source of disturbance and discomfort. The request for lowering the sound levels should be to avoid nasty reaction from the kuffaar who are the rulers of the country.
The Jamiat’s advice to lower the sound levels should be on account of the municipal bylaws and the friction with kuffaar residents. It was improper to describe the Athaan as a disturbance and discomfort merely because the kuffaar consider it as such. The Jamiat has even degenerated to a very low ebb of scorn for the Athaan by implying that the Athaan over the PA system is in conflict with ‘mercy’.
Furthermore, while the Jamiat has voiced its concern on behalf of the kuffaar residents, it has hitherto been silent regarding the haraam misuse of PA systems in almost all the Musaajid for Salaat purposes. In its advice, the Jamiat says:
“It should also be noted that the use of a PA system for the Azaan is not a requirement of the Shari‘ah. The Azaan itself is an act of ‘ibaadah, but its amplification through electronic means is not obligatory.”
Is it obligatory to use a PA system for Salaat? Why does the Jamiat adopt silence on the haraam use of microphones for the daily Salaat?
There is unanimity of all our Akaabir Ulama that the use of a microphone for Salaat is Makrooh Tahrimi. The difference of opinion pertains to validity of Salaat. While some of our Ulama say that Salaat over a microphone is not valid, others say that despite being Makrooh, the Salaat is valid.
In most Musjids especially for the daily five Salaat there is no need whatsoever for a PA system. In fact, in many Musaajid such a system is extremely repugnant. It constitutes a great nuisance, annoyance and even considerable discomfort for many musallees. But the bottom line is that there is no need for a microphone for the daily Salaat. Even small Musjids where there happens to be just one or even just a half saff are addicted to the wasteful device. The Jamiat is weirdly silent on this issue. Thus, the Jamiat’s advice is misplaced and smacks of bootlicking.
16 Sha’baan 1447 – 5 February 2026