"We are all aware that azan is a holy call for Moslems to fulfil their obligation to pray."Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Vice President Boediono asked the Indonesian Council of Mosques here on Friday to start discussing a possible regulation about the use of loudspeakers at mosques.
"We are all aware that azan is a holy call for Moslems to fulfil their obligation to pray," he said during the opening of the 6th congress of the council, which was also attended by social affairs minister Salim Segaf Al Jufri.
Boediono said he, and perhaps most others, reckoned that a soft azan sound was felt much stronger in the heart than the ones blared close to the ears.
He added that the Quran also taught Moslems to lower their voice and pride when praying for God`s leadership and directives.
Boediono also raised the issue of cleanliness.
"We have all heard or read about the Prophet`s well-known Hadith that cleanliness is part of faith. Every Moslem is required to maintain his or her cleanliness, as well as that of the environment," he stated.
Boediono said it was God's order that mosques, as holy places for conducting prayers, must set an example in cleanliness.
"Cleanliness, especially at locations for ablutions, and nice smell at mosques would certainly boost the solemnity of the rituals," he added.
Boediono said the habit of cleanliness starting from mosques would certainly spread to other places such as homes, schools, and workplaces.
He talked about the uniqueness of Islam as a religion from God, wherein Moslems pray in mosques, facing in one direction, towards the Holy Ka`bah in Mecca.
"Considering time zones, there is no second on earth without the sound of azan," Boediono said.
(Uu.H-YH/INE/KR-BSR/O001)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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