To adapt to the increasing use of technology, several mosques in urban regions such as Mumbai have started using digital means to keep the tradition of the call to prayer alive. This is especially important with the growing use of mobile phones. Notable progress has been made with the implementation of apps such as the “Online Azan App”, which delivers the Azan to smartphones at scheduled intervals.
These changes came about after several mosques and places of worship had been impeded by laws related to noise pollution, limiting the sound levels to residential areas and enforcing a quiet time during night hours. Some religious groups were left with no choice but to silence their loudspeakers. Instead of engaging in long and costly legal battles, many mosque committees have taken the high road, choosing peaceful compliance.
With the funding of Online Azan, users can now subscribe to receive live Azan during prayer times. The registered users receive calls for prayer with the use of software for Android and iOS making it accessible for all devices. Within days of launch it had already accumulated hundreds of downloads. The app solves a civil issue while respecting religious sentiments.
Also, leading mosques like Mahim Juma Masjid have adopted this system and are likely to motivate others to do the same. Moreover, all its registered users received calls for Azan at the designated times, proving hukumah’s solution to be effective.
