Mumbai Mosques Turn to Digital ‘Online Azaan’ App Amid Loudspeaker Controversy

Mumbai Mosques Turn to Digital ‘Online Azaan’ App Amid Loudspeaker Controversy
———————————————
Facing police pressure to remove loudspeakers, several Mumbai mosques have adopted a mobile app to broadcast live prayer calls directly to worshippers, The Times of India reported. The ‘Online Azaan’ app, developed by volunteers in Tamil Nadu, has been in use there for over three years and is now gaining traction in Mumbai.

The app streams live Azaan five times daily from local mosques, enabling Muslims to respond to prayers regardless of their proximity to a mosque. Mahim Juma Masjid recently launched the app with technical support from Tamil Nadu professionals, making it available on both Android and iPhone devices.

This digital solution comes after Mumbai police removed approximately 1,500 loudspeakers from mosques, following a high court order aimed at regulating noise levels. While many mosque committees maintain they comply with decibel limits, police have demanded removal until renewed permissions are granted.

Community leaders have welcomed the app, emphasizing that Azaan on loudspeakers is not religiously mandatory and technology can help modernize tradition. The free service offers a practical alternative, allowing worshippers to stay connected to prayer calls without violating noise regulations.

This move reflects a growing trend of integrating technology with religious practices to balance tradition and contemporary urban challenges.