RECENTLY, I had cause to be on national television to discuss noise nuisance. Then, realising the importance of the topic, as someone who has been articulating on the subject for many years, and taking into consideration calls received after the programme, I decided to pen a letter to the print media to appeal to the authorities, and the people to take action against all noise makers, and for the people to develop bravado, and be fearless in making complaints and issuing statements for prosecution.I spoke in the media about constant complaints about noise nuisance from not only discos, dancehalls, shows, but unfortunately from noisy dancing churches, (with shoes on, contrary to example of the Beloved Mystical Master Jesus Christ) with evangelists and pastors screaming, for which even Christians will say God does not need that. Then there were complaints from members in communities with Mandirs and also some Muslim Masjids screaming the Adhaan (Azaan) at all kinds of hours disrupting people, creating shock, and affecting children, according to calls from people.
I wish to state that as a man of religion, and a Guyanese, and one in a level of leadership in a multi-faith society, I think we as a people need to stop being insular in our thinking capacities, whereby we look only at our singular enjoyment for noise and maybe fanatical love of our religion, and look at the bigger picture, as people of maturity and with respect for all.
I recall once when Starlite Drive Inn was used as a missionary centre, there was constant condemnation of all religions except their own, with the loudest of noise, and of course the presenters were enjoying attacking members of other faiths, their prophets and teachers, or even their God(s) as the case may be. It was a noisy insult and humiliation to the Islamic and Hindu communities, and I went and told them so, also God is not deaf.
People must have the right to enjoy their faith and practice their religion with due respect for others. This is sacrosanct in the Guyanese constitution and the reality of our society, as we are virtually a 100% religious-minded nation. I am proud of this. But we cannot enjoy at the disturbance or destruction of others because that becomes criminal, and use of noise for any purpose when it disturbs, according to the laws of Guyana, is criminal.
All I am saying is tone the sound down, do not disrupt others who wish not to be disturbed, and let us live in harmony and love. Some of my Muslim friends think I should withdraw my statement for the Adhan/Azaan or Call to prayer. They think I should be prejudiced for my religion; be a kind of religious zealot for Islam or a fanatic, with one-sided love, bereft of fairness and justice, and agree that the Azaan on loud speakers is not noisy.
For me, it is fine, but we have to think of the society, the people in the community, and respect people. It does not bother me; but for others the sound creates a shock and affects their sensibilities.
Now, as I said I always love the Muslim call to prayer in the beauty of an uninterrupted human voice, some well-trained, that is a healing to the spirit of the believer, and which, when it travels in the ‘fertilizing wind’ helps the entire of humanity, creation, and nature, even the rains fall better, and the vegetation produce better. I believe in all such self-service in religions with positives that benefit humanity and the world – a kind of positive law of attraction. The Quran says: 1. God (Allah) gave acts of devotion to all nations. 2. He sent Messages and Messengers to all humanity. 3. Mankind is one community. 4. “O Muhammad, you shall believe in what is being revealed to you and in what was revealed before thy time.” This is the universal aspect of the religion of Islam that lives in my heart and soul. The act and will of live and let live. This is why I still support the Inter Religious Organization, even though I resigned from it.
Sorry, brothers, like my Beloved Prophet of Islam, I will judge in total impartiality and speak in the same manner; and you may recall he even judged in favour of the Jew when a case was brought to Him for trial. If people say the Azaan disturbs them, then respect them, and use the techniques used for almost 1500 years since the advent of our Prophet and Islam. The human voice has extraordinary beauty, healing and grace. As far as I know, it is Allah’s will for the healing sound to be scattered by the wind, and believe me it travels for miles, once done on the minaret. But some have become lazy, do not wish to exercise up the minaret, and instead place a loudspeaker there and call from the ground, which disrupts the beauty of the vocal chords, and tone, which actually disturbs people.
Now we have learnt of loudspeakers and we are acculturated to it, as if there is a fanatical love for it and not the beauty and grace of the Azaan itself, and an annoyance ensues when one is critiqued for it. Muslims must be mature people, who listen, who care for their community, and who will work for the respect and cooperation of all. Muslims must exercise patience and understanding in dealing with their communities, even if non-Muslims. This is where the greatness of being a good Muslim lie, in not only pleasing your community but everyone in it. Being prejudiced for one’s own is weak leadership. It should be caring for one’s own alone, but respect for all.
Further, these are the days of high science, virtually all Muslims have cell phones, they can programme their cell phones to sing out the Azaan for them at prayer times, and even as personal reminders. There are also gadgets in the shape of the Haram of Mecca and Medina that can be programmed to make the Holy Call at prayer time. There are now more Masjids than ever, people never have problem getting to their mosques for prayers; with so many more mosques it is easier to reach one, and now people are even more complacent with mosque attendance, and prefer to pray at home. Everyone knows the time to pray. It is my opinion that some Muslim persons and elements merely want to be difficult or fanatical. Very important is the fact that when the Prayer Call is given it is too late for people to reach the mosque, those who are already there are there, except if one lives next door.
I love my great world religion of Islam, but as one who studies comparative religions and cultures, I have learnt to love and respect all, which is fundamental to the wisdom and teachings of the religion of Peace, the Religion of Islam.
I notice a Christian Modern Day Prophet is advertising about a healing service and evangelical meeting at the National Cultural Centre (if invited, I will attend for knowledge and human relations), where it is soundproof and will disturb no one. This is respect and shows maturity. CIOG held several symposiums right there, and the Islamic Trust held several there and at the Convention Centre. Respect, fellow Guyanese, respect!
ROSHAN KHAN
Ambassador of Peace
Universal Peace Federation