RELIGIOUS USE OF LOUDSPEAKERS IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SPACES IN JOS METROPOLIS: A BLESSING OR A CURSE?

Abstract

The study delves into the persistent phenomenon of religious use of loudspeakers in both public and private spaces within Jos metropolis. The study aims to critically examine the multifaceted impact of the use of loudspeakers by Christians and Muslims on the community, questioning whether the widespread use of loudspeakers is perceived as a blessing or a curse. It explores the implications of the amplified religious activities in public spaces. The researchers employed the use of qualitative research approach in which oral interviews and observation methods of data collection were used. The study found out that the use of loudspeakers by Christians and Muslims is perceived as both a blessing and a curse, depending on how one views it. Those who view the religious use of loudspeakers as a blessing argued from the perspective of its usefulness or positive impacts. The positive impacts include: the usefulness of loudspeakers in propagating religious messages that are against social vices in the society, the usefulness of loudspeakers during Muslims’ call to prayer (adzan), during religious worship or public assemblies or gatherings to reach large audience and how proper use of loudspeakers foster good and cordial relationship. On the contrary, those who view the religious use of loudspeakers as a curse argued from the perspective of noise pollution, especially when used at high volume. The negative impacts of the misuse of loudspeakers by Christians and Muslims include: sleep disturbance, loss of concentration, annoyance/inconvenience, and potentiality of fueling religious crisis. The study recommends that there should be proper education on the religious use of loudspeaker at moderate level or volume in such a way that it would not affect people’s peace and comfort.