Riaan Joubert, New Modder, writes:
I am writing in response to the letter by Gill McKerrow, ‘Church singers are disrupting my Sunday morning sleep-in,’ in the Benoni City Times, February 20.

I live in New Modder opposite the Masjid Falaahe Daarain, in Selby Avenue.

As a sales rep, I need to manage my expenditure in order to earn a decent living, therefore I deal with a lot of client calls from home.

It has happened more than eight times in one week, that I had to call a client back as our call was interrupted by the masjid’s call to prayer being broadcast over no less than four bullhorn amplified speakers at a disturbingly high volume, from right across the street from my home.

The volume is turned up so high that not only do the voices distort, it echoes after each and every word.

This happens no less than six times every day.

I have tried going inside my house, closing all doors and windows, going inside my room and closing yet another door and still I cannot comfortably complete a call.

I am losing business as my interactions with clients come across as unprofessional.

I have tried and failed on four occasions to speak to someone at the masjid and was told that consideration must be given to the community, yet nothing has changed.

A last ditch attempt to speak to the facility’s leadership was met with arrogance and racial remarks.
Shortly thereafter I was threatened.

This is residential area and as far as my understanding goes, you are not allowed to broadcast calls to prayer over an amplified speaker system, we need help.

do respect all religions and it is not that I expect the calls to completely cease, but I would appreciate if the volume could be lowered to a reasonable level.

ALSO READ: LETTER: Church is disrupting my Sunday sleep-in

Editor’s note: Masjid Falaahe Daarain leadership responds: The masjid was erected in 1999 to serve the community of New Modder and surrounding areas.

In line with municipal by-laws, all applications were submitted and approved with only one rejection, which does not permit the early morning call to prayer (before sunrise) to be broadcast over the loud speakers.

Calls to prayer are broadcast four times per day for a total of three minutes at a time with afternoon times changing seasonally. Broadcast levels are within prescribed volumes.

We appreciate that our masjid is based in a multi-cultural community and that not all residents subscribe to Islam.

It is not our intention to make anyone feel alienated or be negatively impacted by our religious practices.

We invite members of the community to engage with us in a mutually respectful manner to discuss any issues.

We strive to serve our community while maintaining compliance in line with municipal regulations.

We wish to live and worship within the New Modder community, as we respect residents’ right to live and worship, in peace.

ALSO READ: Letter to the Editor: Turn off the noise, Rynfield neighbour!