Clerics not to solemnise nikah for those playing loud music

Maulana Dost Muhammad says a penalty of Rs10,000 will be imposed on cleric who solemnises nikah

PESHAWAR: Irked by loud music being played at marriage ceremonies in the outskirts of the provincial capital, a committee of clerics announced that a nikah, for those playing loud music, will not be solemnised in the future.

According to locals, music had been banned in the past when militants were in control of the area however after the military operation people started playing music at martial ceremonies again.

They stated that music was an essential part of the ceremonies and that people enjoyed it. They also acknowledged that owing to loudspeakers and DJs, the music could be heard even at a distance, which probably disturbed villagers who sleep early, prompting them to complain to the district administration.

Pasanni area residents said that there were clear directions issued by the authorities that loud speakers should not be used to disturb others but people ignored the orders. The affected residents added that they had also approached the police several times but to no avail.

“There are laws and in fact, violating the Loud Speaker Act is a cognisable offense,” said Ameer Zeb, a local resident. He added that they were not against music but only had an issue with people playing it loudly.



Zeb also said that the issue had also been brought to the notice of Peshawar Deputy Commissioner Saqib Raza Aslam, who issued directions to take action. However, the next day he was transferred and the new deputy commissioner did not follow up on the directions.

“Even if they play music, there should be some limits, as playing loud music till 3am is not something that can be accepted,” a senior citizen of the area told The Express Tribune. He reiterated that they were not against the playing of music but in fact against the inconvenience it caused, like when kids wake up due to the noise.

Maulana Dost Muhammad, who made the announcement, stated that the fatwa was purely in the interest of the general public and requested the local administration to back them up so the loudspeaker act is not violated.

“Forming a 30-member committee will make sure the law is not violated and if it is violated, no cleric from the village will solemnise the nikah for the offending couple,” Dost Muhammad informed The Express Tribune. He added that a penalty of Rs 10,000 will also be imposed on the cleric who reads out the nikah.

He said that if such a committee is also supported by the government and local police, it can be beneficial in resolving local disputes too.