By: Mir Muzamil
(myemailid1126@gmail.com)
The Kashmir Valley, a land blessed with the presence and teachings of Sufi saints, has long been a beacon of spiritual enlightenment, love, and peace. Mosques have stood as sanctuaries of faith, inviting believers to prayer and remembrance of the Almighty. However, in recent times, the overuse of loudspeakers, particularly during festive seasons, has raised serious concerns about its social and spiritual impact.
The Issue of Excessive Loudspeaker Use
One of the most pressing concerns is the sheer density of mosques in villages, towns & cities across Kashmir. Most of the localities have multiple mosques within a one-kilometer radius, each using high-decibel loudspeakers simultaneously. The resulting overlap of amplified sounds creates an overwhelming auditory experience rather than a spiritually uplifting one. What is meant to be a call to devotion sometimes turns into a competition of volume, diverting from the true essence of worship.
The Adverse Impact on Society
Islam, as emphasized in the Quran and Hadith, is a religion of balance and ease. The excessive use of loudspeakers negatively impacts various groups in society:
- The Sick and Elderly – Those suffering from illnesses require peace and rest, and continuous loud sounds can worsen their condition.
- Students and Scholars – Many young minds preparing for exams or engaging in academic pursuits struggle to concentrate due to persistent noise.
- Sound-Sensitive Individuals – People with hearing sensitivities or neurological conditions experience distress and discomfort from excessive sound pollution.
The Holy Quran reminds us:
“And do not raise your voice too loud in prayer, nor be silent in it, but seek a way between.” (Surah Al-Isra 17:110)
Prophet Muhammad صَلَّىاللّٰهُعَلَيْهِوَسَلَّمَalso advised moderation in matters of worship. When the Companions raised their voices in prayer, he said:
“O people! Be merciful to yourselves. You are not calling upon one who is deaf or absent. Rather, you are calling upon the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 2992; Sahih Muslim, 2704)
Faith is Not Measured by Volume
A common misconception is that the strength of one’s faith (Aiteqaad) is reflected in how loud prayers or sermons are broadcasted. However, faith is deeply personal and is measured by sincerity, humility, and devotion—not by decibels. The Awliya e Kashmir, the revered saints of this valley, spread their message of love and spirituality through wisdom and understanding, not through force or imposition.
Hazrat Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani (RA), a great Sufi saint of Kashmir, advocated for simplicity in worship and service to humanity. His teachings emphasize love, patience, and respect for others. It is crucial to reflect on whether the excessive use of loudspeakers aligns with these values.
A Call for Thoughtful Reflection
It is essential for mosque committees, patrons, scholars, muezzins, andSana Khawans to reassess the impact of their practices. Are the loudspeakers truly serving the purpose of earning spiritual merit, or are they inadvertently causing hardship? Islam teaches that causing inconvenience to others is a serious matter:
“And do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck or extend it completely and [thereby] become blameworthy and insolvent.” (Surah Al-Isra 17:29)
Moderation is the key to a fulfilling religious practice. The teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and Awliya e Kashmir emphasize that everything should be done with love and consideration, not through coercion or undue influence.
A Balanced Approach
Religious authorities and community leaders must work together to find a middle ground. Possible steps include:
- Reducing Volume Levels – Keeping the volume at a level that fulfills the purpose without becoming a disturbance.
- Limiting Usage – Using loudspeakers only for essential announcements and prayers like the Adhan.
- Coordinated Efforts – Encouraging local mosques within close proximity to coordinate their loudspeaker use to avoid unnecessary overlapping.
- Raising Awareness – Educating the community about the spiritual and ethical importance of maintaining peace and considering the well-being of others.
Conclusion
The sound of worship should be a source of tranquility and connection with the Divine, not a cause of discomfort or contention. The teachings of the Quran, Hadith, and Awliya e Kashmir guide us towards a path of moderation, compassion, and wisdom. As a community, we must embrace these principles and ensure that our religious practices uplift rather than disturb.
Let the call to prayer be a moment of peace, a reminder of faith, and an invitation to devotion—without compromising the harmony of those around us.
