Calling the Azaan using the speaker system at Fajr time

Q. In some masjids, Muazzins call out the Fajr Azaan over the loudspeaker, which disturbs the non-Muslim neighbours who complain of Muslims being inconsiderate. What is the status of calling out the Azaan especially the Fajr Azaan over the loudspeaker?  Is it compulsory to call out the Azaan over the loudspeaker?

A. Calling the Azaan on a speaker system is considered a permissible (Mubah) act as it allows for the Azaan to reach as far as possible, thereby alerting more people for Salaah. The use of a speaker system for calling the Azaan is neither compulsory nor Sunnah. The prescribed form of calling the Azaan is from a lofty position with one’s voice only as established by Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam. (Khairul Fataawa 5/205)

At the time of Fajr, most non-Muslims are asleep. To cause disturbance and inconvenience to ones non-Muslim neighbors at such a time is not from the teachings of Islam. Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam said: “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day let him not harm his neighbor.” (Bukhari)

Whilst the use of the speaker system may be considered a good act, if it becomes a means of disturbance and inconvenience to ones non-Muslims neighbors, it will not remain permissible (Mubah) to use such a means for calling the Azaan.

As Muslims, it is our duty to be sensitive to the feelings of our non-Muslim neighbors within the limits set by Islam. Hence, in areas where the use of the speaker system for the Fajr Azaan will be a means of disturbance, then its usage should be discontinued.

Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

Mufti Ismaeel Bassa

themufti.com