His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, instructed the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowment (GAIAE) to explore opinions and views of mothers on allowing the use of loudspeakers for prayer, especially Fajr prayers in their neighbourhoods.

Citizen’s request

This came as a response to the request of a citizen, Majid, from KhorFakkan during a phone-in interview on the radio talk show ‘Al Khat Al Mubasher’ which is simultaneously broadcast on Sharjah TV.

Sheikh Sultan commented on the request of Majid saying, “We don’t cover the Quran from people, but use of loudspeakers is a thorny issue, which is relating to mothers complaining of waking their kids up because of Azan.”

He added, “We will instruct Awqaf to make a referendum in the neighbourhoods surrounding mosques about their approval on use of loudspeakers during the prayers and we urge the Imams not to raise their voice.”

650 mosques in Sharjah

Sheikh Sultan pointed out the number of mosques in the Emirate of Sharjah was 650, while number of mosques which are still under construction is 50 to 60, stressing the need to get an authorisation from mothers living in areas nearby mosques regarding use of loudpeakers in Fajr prayers.