Azan Controversy

I just watched the news and this one guy (couldn't catch his name) was talking about racial tolerance, how beautiful the chiming of the church bells and the ringing of bells for the Hindu prayers, therefore, he reasons, the complaints about the Azan in the wee hours in the morning was uncalled for.

I cannot agree with that statement, simply because, the issue here isn't about the Azan at all! It's about the sound level!

Whether they like it or not, the mosques are generally situated in residential areas, therefore it's only fair that they do not use such high decibels, especially in 5.30 to 7.00 in the morning, as most people are still in bed.

Another thing I have to say is, shouldn't be the Muslims be more responsible in their own prayer lives? Not meaning to offend, but if the Muslims are not willing to wake up at that time to do their prayers, why should the mosque try to wake them up? All I ask is that the decibels be lowered down enough for interested parties who are awake to hear it, instead of jolting everyone up from their beds.

I also find it ridiculous that the Azan is played at such high volumes that it disrupts sleep, regardless of creed or color. Plus, unlike the church/Hindu prayer bells ringing which lasts less than a minute, the Azan goes on for AT LEAST a minute, and in some disrespectful places, the azan on loudspeakers are continued by the morning prayers, lasting over ten minutes. This is a personal experience as I once lived near such a mosque and had to complain to the bilal there several times. Several times because after a short while of lower decibels, it comes back with a vengeance. 

If this was about the other religions and there were complaints about the sound levels, I would be saying the same thing as well. The problem is, the other religions rarely do this kind of things, and if they do, it is because of an annual celebration, which to me, we should turn a blind eye to since it's not on a regular basis.

Last thing, religion cannot be forced down the throats. If they want to, they will find a way to a way to do something about it. As the Malay saying goes, “hendak seribu daya, tak hendak seribu dalih" - If you want something done, you'll find a thousand methods. If you don't want to do something, you'll find a thousand excuses.

Malaysia is a multi-racial country. If everyone is sincere in doing things to promote unity and harmony among the peoples, this issue would not have existed in the first place.

Let's be sincere in doing things. Don't just talk.