Saudi Arabia ignores conservatives; says mosque loudspeakers will tone down

Saudi Arabia's Islamic Affairs Ministry has come out strongly in defence of its significant order last week, which restricted the volume of mosque loudspeakers.

Defending the directive to set the speakers at one-third of their maximum volume, Islamic affairs minister Abdullatif al-Sheikh said that the order was prompted by complaints about excessive noise.

The order also restricts the use of loudspeakers only for issuing the call to prayer rather than broadcasting full sermons. Non-compliance to the said rules may lead to the imposition of a penalty on violators. 

Saudi Arabia has more than 98,800 mosques, including the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina. 

The government's decision has been slammed by the conservatives on social media.

Al Jazeera quoted Abdullatif al-Sheikh as having told the state television that those who want to pray need not wait for the imam's call to do so. He also said that there are several television channels that broadcast prayers.

The controversial decision is seen as part of steps being taken by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman under his liberalisation drive. 

In recent months, the Crown Prince has lifted the ban on cinema, allowed women to drive,  clipped the powers of the religious police and even allowed gender-mixed attendance at music concerts.

• Saudi Arabia
• Saudi loudspeaker law
• conservatives
• mosque loudspeaker
• Abdullatif al-Sheikh
• Religion