Statement issued by All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama

 

Statement issued by All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama

“You may be aware that the Supreme Court in a Judgment delivered recently issued directions regulating the emission of noise by the use of amplifiers or loudspeakers.

The relevant directions, among others, are as follows:-

All permits issued by the Police under Section 80(1) of the Police Ordinance shall cease to be effective forthwith, No permit shall be issued in terms of Section 80(1) of the Police Ordinance for Loudspeakers and other instruments for the amplification of noise as specified in that section covering the period 10 p.m. (night) to 6 a.m. (morning).

Such permits may be issued for special religious functions, and other special events only after ascertaining the views of persons who occupy land and premises in the vicinity.

Record of such matters to be maintained and the grant of any such permits should be forthwith reported to the nearest Magistrates Court and in respect of the hours 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. permits may be issued for limited periods of time for specific purpose subject to the strict condition that the noise emitted from such amplifier or loudspeaker or equipment does not extend beyond the precints of the particular premises.

You would note from the foregoing that these directions apply to all forms of noise emanating from any source, including any noise emanating by amplification from any place of religious worship.

In deference to this Judgment of the Supreme Court the use of loudspeakers to broadcast the call to prayer outside the precints of the mosque is no longer permissible.

As such the present practice adopted in our mosques of amplifying the call to prayer by loudspeakers and other electronic devices so that it is heard outside the mosque premises, must be discontinued.

The use of amplifiers or loudspeakers to be heard within the mosque premises should also be after obtaining fresh permits from the Police.

We are made to understand that regulations are being framed by the Central Environment Authority in regard to noise pollution. We shall in consultation with religious dignitaries and clergy of all other faiths seek to assist the Central Environment Authority in formulating suitable regulations acceptable to all religious persuasions.

In the meantime, we kindly request all fellow Muslims to act in accordance with the Judgment of the Supreme Court and refrain from any acts in breach of the law.

In this connection we have already initiated discussions with concerned organisations with a view to securing, Insha Allah, the formulation of acceptable regulations, says the release issued by Moulavi Nagoor Lareef [Falahi], Assistant General Secretary.

Saturday, 17 November 2007