Saudi Arabia has recently announced restrictions on volume levels for loudspeakers at mosques during the month of Ramadan. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, a time when Muslims around the world abstain from eating, drinking and smoking between sunrise and sunset.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs stated that speakers must not exceed a third of their full volume. Also, speakers cannot be used for additional prayers during the holy month.
Officials have asked mosque staff to ensure they abide by circulars that limit the use of external loudspeakers for the first (adhan) and second (iqamah) calls to prayer.
Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance Sheikh Abdullatif Al Al-Sheikh has denied reports that external loudspeakers will be allowed in mosques while performing prayers during the holy month of Ramadan.
Al Al-Sheikh said what was being circulated in this regard on social media platforms is incorrect and unfounded.
This is the first time that mosques will operate at full capacity during Ramadan since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The ministry has issued circulars to help prepare mosques for the holy month, including bans on collecting financial donations for iftar meals. Those who wish to host an iftar at mosques must submit an application to the authorities. The ministry has also banned the live transmission of prayers from mosques on all types of media during Ramadan.
In June last year, the ministry said speakers should be set at no more than a third of their maximum volume.
Using external loudspeakers at a high volume could affect the vulnerable, the elderly, and young children and drown out prayers held in nearby mosques, the ministry stated.
Also, the government announced Ramadan plans for the Grand Mosque in Makkah and Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah that include the use of artificial intelligence in apps.
It also said robots would be used to serve Zamzam water and sterilize the grounds of the mosques. Up to 12,000 workers will be available to help pilgrims during Ramadan. The King Fahd Expansion, Third Saudi Expansion and all courtyards at the Grand Mosque will be open for worshippers with no social distancing measures in place.
