Mosques in Sambhal adopt unique method to announce prayer times and Sehri during Ramadan
Team Clarion
SAMBHAL – Amid a state-wide campaign to remove loudspeakers from religious places, mosques in Sambhal have found a new way to announce the call to prayer and Sehri time during the holy month of Ramadan. Following the government’s order to remove loudspeakers, mosque authorities have turned to rooftops to deliver the call to prayer and inform the community about Sehri and Iftar times.
The move comes after a significant controversy surrounding the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, but this time the issue is more about the removal of loudspeakers as part of a broader initiative across the state. Most mosques in Sambhal have complied, and loudspeakers have been taken down. In response, local Imams and Muezzins have started announcing the prayer times, including the Sehri time, from the rooftops of the mosques.
Additionally, community members are going into Muslim-majority areas, using drums and other traditional methods to wake people up for Sehri. This initiative ensures that the local population can still observe the sacred rituals of Ramadan, despite the lack of loudspeaker announcements.
Mufti Maulana Noori Raza, a prominent religious figure from Sambhal, expressed support for the government’s decision. He said, “We are following the order of the UP government and have no objection to the removal of loudspeakers. During Ramadan, there is no problem with announcing the call to prayer and Sehri time from the rooftops of the mosques. In fact, many mosques are voluntarily handing over the loudspeakers to the police.”
However, some local Muslims have expressed mixed reactions to the change. A resident of Sambhal, Ahmed Khan, said, “It’s a little inconvenient for us, especially the elderly who rely on the loudspeakers to hear the time for Sehri. But we understand that this is part of the government’s campaign, and we will adjust.”
Another local Muslim, Fatima Begum, added, “The announcement from the rooftops works, but it’s not as effective as the loudspeakers. Many people in our neighbourhood don’t hear it clearly, and it becomes a bit difficult, especially during Sehri when people are still asleep. We hope the authorities will consider a more practical solution for us.”
