ACJU/FRL/2025/07-425
11.03.2025 (10.09.1446)
We are currently in the holy month of Ramadan, a time when Allah’s mercy and forgiveness are abundantly granted. As we all strive to perform good deeds and seek Allah’s acceptance and closeness, it is our duty to ensure that our actions and activities do not cause any disturbance or inconvenience to others.
Islam strongly emphasizes that one’s neighbors should not suffer any discomfort because of them. The Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) clearly stated:
“He who causes harm to his neighbors is not a true believer.”
Key events during Ramadan — such as Taraweeh prayers, Iftar gatherings, and religious talks — are significant and beneficial for our community. No one can deny the positive impact these events have.
However, it is crucial to be mindful during these events, especially by keeping the volume of loudspeakers at a moderate level. Excessive noise can disturb children, the sick, and the elderly living nearby.
Similarly, we must avoid:
- Increasing the volume of radios or speakers in homes and shops.
- Parking vehicles haphazardly.
- Blocking pedestrian pathways by parking vehicles carelessly.
- Speeding through roads when leaving offices and business places at the last minute to get home for Iftar.
These actions cause unnecessary inconvenience to many people.
The Qur’an and Hadith emphasize the importance of conducting our prayers and activities without disturbing others:
وَلَا تَجْهَرْ بِصَلَاتِكَ وَلَا تُخَافِتْ بِهَا وَابْتَغِ بَيْنَ ذٰ لِكَ سَبِيْلًا (17:110)
“Do not raise your voice in prayer, nor lower it too much, but seek a way in between.” (Qur’an 17:110)
Al-Miqdad (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
عن المِقْدَادُ رضي الله عنه … كنا نَرَفَعُ للنبي صلى الله عليه وسلم نَصِيبَهُ من اللَّبَنِ ، فَيَجِيءُ من الليل، فَيُسَلِّمُ تسليما لا يُوقِظُ نائما، ويُسْمِعُ اليَقْظَانَ، فجاء النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم فَسَلَّمَ كما كان يُسَلِّمُ. (صحيح مسلم : 4177)
‘We used to present the Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) with his share of milk. He would come at night, greet us in a manner that would not wake the sleeping but was audible to those who were awake.’ (Sahih Muslim : 4177)
In our country, every community has the full freedom to practice their religious rituals according to their beliefs. However, this freedom should not become a source of disturbance to their own community or others, nor should it violate the country’s laws.
Therefore, the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama kindly requests all mosque administrations, Imams, and the public to ensure that loudspeaker volumes are kept at a necessary level and to operate in a way that does not cause inconvenience to others, considering the situation in their respective areas.
Mufti M.I.M. Rizwe
President
All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama
Ash-Sheikh M. Arkam Nooramith
General Secretary
All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama
