In Mumbai, many mosques have stopped using loudspeakers for Azaan (the call to prayer) after a new government rule to control noise. This rule was made after a court order and applies to all religious places like mosques, temples, churches, and gurudwaras.

The Maharashtra government said loudspeakers cannot be used if they are too loud or not officially approved. The sound must be under 55 decibels in the day and 45 decibels at night. Because of this, about 3,367 loudspeakers have been removed across Maharashtra, including 1,149 from mosques in Mumbai.

This decision upset some people in the Muslim community. Some mosque leaders said they were treated unfairly and did not get proper notice from the police. They filed a case in the Bombay High Court and said other religious places were not treated the same way.

However, instead of waiting for court decisions, some mosques found a peaceful and modern solution. They started using a mobile app called “Online Azaan.” This app, made by volunteers from Tamil Nadu, allows people to hear live Azaan on their phones. You just need to download the app, select your mosque, and turn on notifications to hear Azaan at the correct time.

Already, around 500 people in one area have started using this app. To join the app, mosques must give the muezzin’s Aadhaar card and other documents.

Not all mosque leaders are angry. Some have decided to follow the rules by lowering the volume of their loudspeakers. Jama Masjid Al Shams has even installed a decibel meter to check the sound stays within the allowed limit.

Some politicians have also supported this idea. Congress leader Asif Farooqui said prayer is important, not loudspeakers, and praised the use of modern ways. BJP leader Kirit Somaiya said he was happy that loudspeakers were removed from many mosques.

This example shows how technology can help follow laws while keeping faith alive. The Azaan app could become an example for other cities in India.

Tags

• mosque
• mumbai
• loudspeakers
• azaan

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