Nyarugenge Sector of Nyarugenge District had this week banned the use of speakers on Mosques and urged Muslims to use other means that would not cause noise pollution.
Speaking to IGIHE, the spokesperson for Rwanda Muslim Community (RMC), Sheikh Musa Sindayigaya said that after being informed about the decision, Muslim leaders approached different government institutions and were later allowed to use speakers on the condition that they reduce sound and don’t affect other people.
“First of all there is adhan (Islamic call to worship), it will continue as usual with low voice calling worshipers from around the Mosque. The new move says that we will inform people from around the Mosque as they are the ones praying from there, and of course it is necessary to inform worshipers about the time to pray. No Mosque is in charge informing all city dwellers, which was a mistake and is now made clear,” he explained.
He said that after adhan, the prayer leader will not use speaker by preaching people from inside and affect people from outside in their businesses.
Sindayigaya added that in the morning, prayer starts when some people still sleeping which is why it is not necessary to use speakers.
He thanked the government for the fruitful discussions saying that the decision by Nyarugenge Sector was not very clear. He said that the Muslim community will adhere to new regulations.
The ban on speakers on Mosques followed the clampdown on sub-standard churches across the country.
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