Using a Loudspeaker for the Jumu'ah and Eid Khutbahs

Q: Salaah-166: Is it permissible to use the loudspeaker for the Jumu'ah and Eid Khutbahs and salaahs?

Answer: Some Ulema are of the opinion that it is wrong to follow the sound Of a loudspeaker because it is not the original voice of the Imaam. Although there are many Ulema who say that it is proper to follow the loudspeaker and that salaah will not be invalid or necessary to be repeated, the more cautious of them do not permit its use because of the many other harms and problems associated with its use. They say that the harms far outweigh the benefits. this is the better of the opinions and adopting it is more in keeping with the simple and blessed ways of our pious predecessors. It is improper to taint such an important Ibaadah as salaah with something that is disputed and therefore wrong to insist on using it. Using the loudspeaker for the Khutbah does not befit the status of the Khutbah. When the voice of the Imaam reaches all the people present, there is no difference of opinion amongst any of the Ulema that the use of the loudspeaker is not permissible. And Allaah knows best what is most correct.

Here follows the Fataawaa of a few contemporary scholars:

1. "There is a difference of opinion in this matter because some Ulema say, that it nullifies the salaah and others say that it does not. The most cautious approach will be not to use them at all for salaah." (Sa'eed Ahmad, Mufti of Saharanpur,4th Dhul Hijjah 1379 A.H.)

2. The loudspeaker should not be used in salaah. The Imaam should resist using it. (Mufti Mahmoodul Hasan Gangohi, monthly Nizaam Kaanpur, Dhul Hijjah 1379 A.H. corresponding to 2 June 1960)

3. Caution is in performing and leading the salaah in the old fashion and not to use the loudspeaker. Because there is difference of opinion with one group saying that it is permissible and the others saying that it is not, it is best to perform an important Ibaadah such as salaah in a manner that is valid according to the Ulema of every opinion. When the Jamaa'ah is large, it is best to relay the Takbeers of the Imaam to the people with the use of Mukabbireen (people standing in various rows to call out the Takbeers as the Imaam does so). (Mufti Mahdi Hasan, Daarul Uloom Deoband, 23 Dhul Hijjah 1379 A.H.)

Fatawa Rahimiyyah vol.2