Did the Companions—may God be pleased with them—after the death of the Messenger—may God’s prayers and peace be upon him—approve of establishing prayer inside the mosque without those outside hearing it, as the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Endowments has decreed?

Firstly: It is not permissible to use loudspeakers for the five daily prayers and Tarawih prayers except to the extent that those inside the mosque can hear, without the sound extending outside the mosque and disturbing other mosques, or the sick, or those with valid excuses in their homes. This is based on the statement of Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah: "No one is allowed to recite loudly in a way that harms others, such as those praying."

Secondly: As for the Iqama (call to commence prayer), it used to be heard from outside the mosque during the time of the Prophet, peace be upon him, as Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah mentioned that the Iqama is for those present in the mosque and those absent. Therefore, if the prohibition of broadcasting the Iqama via loudspeakers is meant to refer to the prayer itself, then it is correct. However, if it means preventing the well-known Iqama, then the apparent Sunnah (definition) indicates otherwise. And their claim that the Companions approved of this after the death of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, is not valid.