Q: I am an Imam (the one who leads congregational Prayer) of a Masjid (mosque) in Jizan. I used to give a religious speech after performing the Fajr (Dawn) Prayer to those attending the Salah, using a microphone to benefit the women and other inhabitants around the Masjid. However, some people complained about the use of the microphone claiming that I cause annoyance and disturbance to the people there. My intention is free, in sha’a-Allah (if Allah wills), from Riya' (showing-off), may Allah grant us and you refuge from having insincere intentions. Please advise me in this concern. May Allah reward you!

A: Guiding people, making them aware of their religion to remember Allah (Exalted be He) and the Day of Resurrection in addition to urging them to enjoin Ma`ruf (that which is judged as good, beneficial, or fitting by Islamic law and Muslims of sound intellect) and forbid Munkar (that which is unacceptable or disapproved of by Islamic law and Muslims of sound intellect) (Part No. 24; Page No. 200) are considered to be required according to Shari`ah (Islamic law). Furthermore, the Messengers of Allah (peace be upon them) called for that. On the other hand, the Islamic preacher should choose the appropriate time and the suitable method that is free from any annoyance or roughness to people, in order not to drive them away from the right Path; otherwise his good deed will be converted to a sinful act.Accordingly, you should not use the microphone while giving your speech during that time so as to avoid annoying people. Guiding the attendants of Salah will suffice you. However, Adhan (call to Prayer) is something different as it is prescribed to notify people of the prayer times to attend the congregational Salah (Prayer) at Masjids. Thus, it is preferable that the voice of the Mu'adhin (caller to Prayer) would be decent and loud, even if the non-attendants of the Salah are annoyed. Verily, we should abide by Allah's Shari`ah (Law).May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.