GURUN- The Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (Jakim) is to have discussions with the Penang Fatwa (Edict) Council over the latter''s edict prohibiting the use of loud speakers at mosques and suraus in the state during the reading of Quranic verses prior to the dawn prayers.
Minister in the Prime Minister''s Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom said this was a matter which could be resolved at the administrative level and did not require a "muzakarah" (dialogue) or edict.
"I have had discussions with the chairman of the National Fatwa Council and we feel that matters such as this should be discussed so that each state will not have its own view.
"The views of all should be heard so that we can come to a decision by exercising wisdom for the benefit of all Muslims," he told reporters after an event at the Kampung Kilang Ketapan surau, here yesterday.
Jamil said the people should understand that the situation in Penang was the result of an edict issued by the State Fatwa Council, and the view differed from that of the national body.
The Penang Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JHEAIPP) had issued a circular directing all mosques and suraus in the state to stop using loud speakers for the reading of Quranic verses before the dawn prayers, in keeping with an edict of the State Fatwa Council, saying that this could go against the Syariah law and could disturb other people inside and outside these places of worship.
