New Delhi: The Vice President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), Malik Mohtashim Khan, has expressed satisfaction with the Gujarat High Court's decision to dismiss a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a ban on Azaan through loudspeakers.
The division bench, consisting of Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice Aniruddha Mayee, deemed the plea as "wholly misconceived." The court found it difficult to understand how the human voice during Azaan could reach decibel levels causing noise pollution and health hazards for the public.
In a statement to the media, Khan welcomed the judgment, emphasizing that the Azaan serves as a call to Muslims for mandatory five-time congregational prayers in mosques. He highlighted the historical significance of this practice, instituted by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and continuing to this day.
Khan expressed concerns about what he perceived as a religious bias and Islamophobia, citing a contradiction in complaints about noise disturbance during Azaan compared to the tolerance of loud music during bhajans or aartis in temples and other religious processions. He urged people not to succumb to attempts to incite hatred and misuse religion for political agendas.
The JIH Vice-President urged fellow citizens to study the Quran and the life of Prophet Muhammad to better understand the noble teachings of Islam. He called for unity amidst diversity, emphasizing India's glorious history of religious tolerance and communal harmony.
As debates around religious practices and tolerance continue, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind's stance encourages dialogue and understanding among different communities to foster love and compassion for a united India.