Date : 13-07-2023

Question :

What is the ruling of Sharia on using external speakers and loud amplifiers to recite the Quran and Adkhar (Remembrances of Allah) in markets and public places?


The Answer :

All perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May His peace and blessings be upon Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.


Islam encourages Muslims to make remembrance of Allah, and it dedicated a great reward for doing that. Allah the Almighty says {what means}: " and for men and women who engage much in God’s praise,- for them has God prepared forgiveness and great reward." {al-Ahzab, 35}. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Should I not inform you of the best of your deed, and the purest of them with your Master, and the highest of them in your ranks, and what is better for you than spending gold and silver, and better for you than meeting your enemy and striking their necks, and they strike your necks?” They said: “Of course.” He said, “The remembrance of Allah [Most High].” {Transmitted by Tirmithi}.  As for the heedless ones, Allah condemned them and prohibited heedlessness. He the Almighty says {What means}: "Closer and closer to mankind comes their Reckoning: yet they heed not and they turn away." {Al-Anbiya`, 1}.


Moreover, in the Noble Quran, there is an absolute exhortation to remember Allah without specifying a particular manner or wording. Allah says, "When you have performed the prayer, remember God, standing and sitting and on your sides" (An-Nisa`, 103). However, making the remembrance audible, whether directly by the person themselves or through recording devices, if it causes disturbance or harm to others, is prohibited. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) forbade raising one's voice while reciting the Quran out of fear of disturbing other worshippers. He said, "When you pray you are talking confidentially to your Lord. So look to what you confide to Him, and do not say the Qur'an out loud so that others hear it." (Muwatta Imam Malik). For more details, kindly check {"Mara'at al-Mafatih" by Al-Mubarakfuri, V.3:167}.


If the intended public places are those characterized by a lack of tranquility and excessive noise, such as markets, some parks, and others, then the default ruling is the permissibility of making the remembrance audible in these places and it shouldn`t be prohibited no matter what. It has been narrated that Ibn Umar and Abu Hurairah used to go to the market during the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, and they would make Takbeer (saying "Allahu Akbar"), and people would follow them in making Takbeer as well." {Transmitted by Bukhari}.


It has also been narrated from Ibn Abbas that Dhikr (Mentioning the name of Allah) in a loud voice after obligatory prayers was (a common practice) during the lifetime of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) ; and when I heard that I came to know that they (the people) had finished the prayer.." (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).


However, when using such devices, it is necessary to ensure that the volume is appropriate for the nature of the place where they are being used, so as not to cause harm to others. For example, it should not interfere with communication or hinder others from hearing each other. Here, "disturbance" does not refer to the objection some people may have due to their unwillingness to listen to remembrance or the Quran. This is something that should not be given attention to, and their desires should not be catered to.


As for public places that are residential areas crowded with residents, where people live, sleep, and seek tranquility, the default ruling is that any loud sound, whether remembrance, Quran recitation, or anything else that contradicts the purpose of tranquility and peace in those areas, is not permissible. Tranquility is sought in such places, where there may be people sleeping, sick, or engaged in prayer, and the Sharia commands us to be considerate and kind towards others. And Allah the Almighty knows best.