Permission Sought for Loudspeakers at Sambhal’s Shahi Jama Masjid During Ramzan, Zafar Ali Writes to DM

Sambhal, Feb 3:
The management committee of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district has sought permission from the district administration to install loudspeakers during the holy month of Ramzan to facilitate smooth conduct of prayers and religious sermons.

The request was formally made by Zafar Ali, President of the Shahi Jama Masjid Intazamia Committee, who has written a letter to the District Magistrate (DM) seeking approval. However, according to sources, permission for installing loudspeakers has not yet been granted by the district administration.

Speaking on the matter, Zafar Ali said that the holy month of Ramzan is set to begin on February 18, and during this period it is essential that the Imam’s sermons, prayers, and important religious instructions are clearly audible to all devotees present inside the mosque. He stated that the absence of loudspeakers can hinder communication, affecting the focus and collective spirit of worship.

Ali clarified that the demand is being made strictly in accordance with government rules and prescribed guidelines, and the committee has no intention of violating any regulations. “We are only requesting facilities that are permitted under the law,” he said.

Ongoing Dispute Surrounding the Mosque

The issue gains significance amid the long-standing dispute related to the Shahi Jama Masjid. It is claimed that the mosque was constructed during the reign of Mughal emperor Babur, while sections of the Hindu community allege that a temple existed at the site earlier and was demolished to build the mosque on Babur’s orders.

The structure is considered one of the oldest mosques in South Asia and is currently under the custody of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), though religious prayers continue at the site.

Tensions escalated in November 2024 during an ASI survey when violence erupted in the surrounding area. Incidents of stone-pelting and firing were reported, resulting in the deaths of four people, while nearly three dozen police personnel and civilians were injured. Zafar Ali was later named in the case and sent to jail in connection with the violence.

The district administration is yet to take a final decision on the request for loudspeakers, while security agencies remain alert in view of the sensitive nature of the site.