In a significant shift that blends tradition with technology, several mosques across Mumbai have adopted the ‘Online Azan’ app in place of loudspeakers to deliver the call to prayer. The move follows a High Court directive on noise control and is being seen as a model for peaceful coexistence and civic responsibility.
The development has been widely credited to the effective and balanced enforcement of the court order by the Mumbai Police, led by Police Commissioner Deven Bharati. The police played a key role in sensitively handling the issue, engaging with local mosque authorities, and ensuring compliance with the law.
Dr. Abraham Mathai, Founder Chairman of the Harmony Foundation and former Vice Chairman of the Minorities Commission, appreciated the initiative, stating, “This peaceful compliance, aided by the consistent and balanced approach of the Mumbai Police, is deeply commendable. It demonstrates a conscious commitment to law and order, religious faith, and fostering peaceful co-existence within a pluralistic society, although many with radical views in the community may not agree.”
“This initiative comes after a police crackdown on the use of loudspeakers, where officers visited the mosque and warned that loudspeaker use could result in action. This led to the mosque disabling its sound system as the Court order of the 45-56 decibel restriction on the speakers does not serve the purpose,” said Fahad Khalil Pathan, Managing Trustee of Mahim Juma Masjid.
The ‘Online Azan’ app — developed in Tamil Nadu and already in use in various parts of India and abroad — streams the Azan live from registered mosques directly to mobile phones and digital devices. Unlike pre-recorded notifications, the app delivers the Azan in real time, preserving its sanctity without causing noise disturbances.
Dr. Mathai added, “While the Azan is an essential component of Islamic worship, it is not mandated in the Quran that it must be broadcast publicly through loudspeakers. It is not fair that the quiet moments of rest and relaxation of other communities be disrupted by loudspeaker noise sounding the call of namaz 5 times a day all the 365 days of the year. What matters most is the spiritual essence and the personal response to the call of prayer. In that light, this digital adaptation upholds both religious tradition and social responsibility.”
The Harmony Foundation, known for its work in promoting interfaith dialogue and communal peace, sees this development as a positive model for other mosques across the nation. “This initiative exemplifies how faith can harmoniously coexist with modern civic norms. I hope this becomes a national example of how communities can evolve, and it would be prudent if the Muslim community in the nation emulated the example of their fellow worshippers in Mumbai for peaceful coexistence and social cohesion.” Dr. Mathai concluded.
A fitt response by the community to the needs of the general public.