The New Straits Times
by Ili Liyana Mokhtar, Maizatul Ranai and Hariz Mohd
by Ili Liyana Mokhtar, Maizatul Ranai and Hariz Mohd
KUALA LUMPUR: Religious leaders have called for guidelines to be drawn up to avoid misunderstandings between Muslims and non-Muslims over the azan issue.
This include suggestions for several factors to be considered, such as the volume of the azan, and dialogues on the subject for better understanding.
Kelantan mufti Datuk Mohd Shukri Mohamad said the guidelines could include how loud the azan should be, depending on the location and proximity of the various mosques.
"The guidelines can serve as a reference for the non-Muslims so they are more aware of the religion.
This include suggestions for several factors to be considered, such as the volume of the azan, and dialogues on the subject for better understanding.
Kelantan mufti Datuk Mohd Shukri Mohamad said the guidelines could include how loud the azan should be, depending on the location and proximity of the various mosques.
"The guidelines can serve as a reference for the non-Muslims so they are more aware of the religion.
"Non-Muslims should also understand and be aware of the significance and benefits of azan to their daily life.
"For example, there is a non-Muslim who claimed that he could tell the time without looking at his watch by just listening to the azan. This shows the azan is useful."
Shukri said the population of the housing area should also be taken into consideration, whether the majority of the residents were Muslims or non-Muslims.
He said since religious matters came under the jurisdiction of the states, it would be the responsibility of the state's religious departments to create awareness of religious practices such as the azan.
"Most misunderstandings stem from ignorance. There is a need to explain why certain practices are being observed.
"Usually, when the explanation is done in an informative manner, people will understand better and be more tolerant."
In December last year, lawyer Ng Kiam Nam submitted a complaint to the prime minister's office, which requested that the volume of the azan at the Al-Khadijah mosque in Kg Kerinchi, Pantai Dalam, be lowered.
The letter was also forwarded to the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) and Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais).
Earlier this month, some 100 people protested to express their displeasure over the letter.
Last Monday, Ng tendered a public apology at the Lembah Pantai Umno division office, admitting his lack of knowledge on the religion.
Religious expert Datuk Abu Hassan Din Al-Hafiz said the azan was an integral part of the Muslim faith.
He said it would be the first thing to be recited into the ears of a newborn, in a new home, and it was a call that would echo in mosques, religious schools and on the streets in Muslim communities five times a day,
"The azan has great significance. It is often delivered by the muezzin (the chosen person at a mosque who leads the call to prayer) at a high or prominent place in as loud a voice as possible.
"The muezzin will stand facing the Holy Kaabah and raise both of his hands to his ears while reciting the azan.
"Historically, the azan had to be loud so that it could be heard by everyone in certain areas as there were no loudspeakers back then."
Abu Hassan stressed the volume of the azan could not be lowered as the louder it was, the better it was to encourage people to congregate at the mosque for their prayers.
"However, other recitals such as the kuliyyah (talks) before prayers can be done within the mosque and do not need to be broadcast loudly," he said.
Perak mufti Tan Sri Harussani Zakaria also said the azan was recited loudly for a reason -- so that all could hear.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom said there was no need for guidelines on the azan.
"The practice was never a problem before. The practice is understood by all. The issue has been blown out of proportion by certain quarters."
"For example, there is a non-Muslim who claimed that he could tell the time without looking at his watch by just listening to the azan. This shows the azan is useful."
Shukri said the population of the housing area should also be taken into consideration, whether the majority of the residents were Muslims or non-Muslims.
He said since religious matters came under the jurisdiction of the states, it would be the responsibility of the state's religious departments to create awareness of religious practices such as the azan.
"Most misunderstandings stem from ignorance. There is a need to explain why certain practices are being observed.
"Usually, when the explanation is done in an informative manner, people will understand better and be more tolerant."
In December last year, lawyer Ng Kiam Nam submitted a complaint to the prime minister's office, which requested that the volume of the azan at the Al-Khadijah mosque in Kg Kerinchi, Pantai Dalam, be lowered.
The letter was also forwarded to the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) and Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais).
Earlier this month, some 100 people protested to express their displeasure over the letter.
Last Monday, Ng tendered a public apology at the Lembah Pantai Umno division office, admitting his lack of knowledge on the religion.
Religious expert Datuk Abu Hassan Din Al-Hafiz said the azan was an integral part of the Muslim faith.
He said it would be the first thing to be recited into the ears of a newborn, in a new home, and it was a call that would echo in mosques, religious schools and on the streets in Muslim communities five times a day,
"The azan has great significance. It is often delivered by the muezzin (the chosen person at a mosque who leads the call to prayer) at a high or prominent place in as loud a voice as possible.
"The muezzin will stand facing the Holy Kaabah and raise both of his hands to his ears while reciting the azan.
"Historically, the azan had to be loud so that it could be heard by everyone in certain areas as there were no loudspeakers back then."
Abu Hassan stressed the volume of the azan could not be lowered as the louder it was, the better it was to encourage people to congregate at the mosque for their prayers.
"However, other recitals such as the kuliyyah (talks) before prayers can be done within the mosque and do not need to be broadcast loudly," he said.
Perak mufti Tan Sri Harussani Zakaria also said the azan was recited loudly for a reason -- so that all could hear.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom said there was no need for guidelines on the azan.
"The practice was never a problem before. The practice is understood by all. The issue has been blown out of proportion by certain quarters."
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