MUI Appreciates Minister's Circular Regarding Loud Speaker Regulations In Mosques

Head of MUI for Fatwa, Asrorun Niam Sholeh/Antara

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) appreciates the issuance of Circular Letter of the Minister of Religion Number 05/2022 regarding guidelines for using loudspeakers in mosques and prayer rooms, because it is in accordance with the results of the Ijtima Ulama Fatwa Commission throughout Indonesia in 2021.

"I appreciate the issuance of the SE as part of efforts to realize benefits in organizing worship activities," said MUI Fatwa Chair Asrorun Niam in a written statement received in Jakarta, reported by Antara, Monday, February 21.

Asrorun said that in carrying out worship, there are types of worship that have a syiar dimension, so they need media for broadcasting, including the call to prayer.

But, in its implementation, he said, it needs to be regulated so that it has a good impact on the community. That is, the congregation can hear the symbols, but does not cause mafsadah (causing harm to others).

"Therefore, it is necessary to have agreed rules as a common guideline, especially regarding the use of loudspeakers in places of worship to realize the benefit and ensure order and prevent the resulting mafsadah," he said.

However, Asrorun stated that the regulation must also pay attention to local wisdom that develops and grows in the surrounding community.

"This rule must be placed within the framework of general rules, it cannot be generalized. If an area is accustomed to procedures that have been mutually agreed upon, and it is generally accepted, it can be used as a foothold. So the application is not rigid," he said.

Previously, the Ministry of Religion issued a circular that regulates the use of loudspeakers in mosques and prayer rooms as stated in the Circular Letter of the Minister of Religion Number 05/2022 concerning Guidelines for the Use of Loudspeakers.

"The guidelines are published as an effort to increase peace, order and harmony among members of the community," said Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas.

Yaqut said the use of loudspeakers in mosques and prayer rooms is a necessity for Muslims as one of the media to spread Islam in the community.

But, on the other hand, the Indonesian people are also diverse, in terms of religion, belief, background, and others, so efforts are needed to maintain brotherhood and social harmony.