Defending The Minister Of Religion Yaqut, Deputy Minister: I Am Sure That The Minister Has No Intention Of Comparing The Sound Of The Azan With The Barking Of A Dog

Deputy Minister of Religion Zainut Tauhid Sa'adi. (ANTARA/HO-Kemenag)

JAKARTA - Deputy Minister of Religion Zainut Tauhid Sa'adi believes there was no intention of Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas to compare the sound of the call to prayer with the barking of dogs when responding to Circular 05/2022 regarding Guidelines for Using Loudspeakers in Mosques.

"After I listened to his complete and complete statement, I truly believe that the Minister of Religion has no intention of comparing the sound of the call to prayer with the 'barking' of a dog," said Zainut via a short message received in Jakarta, reported by Antara, Thursday, February 24.

Zainut said that what was conveyed by the Minister of Religion only wanted to provide an image or parable with the aim of making it easier for the public to understand his understanding, without any intention of comparing one with another.

Therefore, he hopes that all parties can understand the Minister of Religion's statement completely and clearly so that untrue allegations arise.

"For this, I ask the public to fully understand his statement," he said. Previously, the Minister of Religion explained that living in a pluralistic society requires tolerance. So it is necessary to have a common guideline so that the harmonious life is well maintained, including the regulation of any loudspeaker noise that can make you uncomfortable.

The Minister of Religion did not prohibit mosques from using loudspeakers during the call to prayer. Because, it is part of the symbols of Islam. The circular issued by the Minister of Religion only regulates, among other things, the volume of sound to a maximum of 100 dB (decibels). In addition, setting about the time of use is adjusted every time before the call to prayer.

The rules regarding loudspeaker guidelines actually existed in 1978, when it was issued the loudspeaker guidelines, namely the Directorate of Islamic Community Guidance at the Ministry of Religion. Meanwhile, the newly issued SE 05/2022 will strengthen the previous regulations.