LAM SHANG LEEN’S RACIST AND ANTI-MUSLIM JUDGEMENT AGAINST THE AZAAN

The judgement of Paul Lam Shang Leen against the Azaan is a disgraceful judgement designed to stab Muslims through the heart.

The case against the Muslim call to prayer, the Azaan, given through loud speakers was brought by Gavin Glover, a non-Muslim (and son of ex-judge Glover?). Gavin Glover alleged that Azaan through loudspeakers was disruptive because it created noise pollution and against the law. The judgement given in favour of Gavin Glover was delivered by Judge Lam Shang Leen, a non-Muslim with a clear bias and prejuidice against Muslims and Islam.

Although the judiciary is supposed to be independent from politicians, Judge Lam Shang Leen is supposed to uphold the laws passed by politicians. The government of Mauritius has always been a tolerant government which respects all religions, even though the calls to prayer are delivered through loudspeakers, church bells or other means. The call for prayer, which Maulana Adam Sahodeea correctly states is a prayer in itself, is an Islamic obligation, something which Lam Shang Leen appears ignorant of. One speaks in terms of the SOUND and not the NOISE of the call to prayer – le son des cloches et non le bruit des cloches! Lam Shang Leen sheer prejudice prevents him from making the difference between SOUND & NOISE. If he argues that the speakers are too loud, then he should ask the Quatre Bornes mosque in question to lower its volume and not argue that the use of loudspeakers amounts to ‘noise pollution’ and unlawful. It is his judgement which pollutes Mauritian society.

Lam Shang Leen demonstrates further ignorance when he says that : “the right of the devotees to practice their religion is not infringed by prohibiting the use of loudspeakers for the calling of daily prayers; the balance of convenience lies in upholding the rule of law namely prohibiting the unlawful use of loudspeakers…” [l’Express 28 mars 2007]. Since when has the use of loudspeakers become unlawful ? They are used all over the place – at weddings, parties, political rallies, and more.

What does Lam Shang Leen know about the requirements for Muslims « to practice their religion », and the « infringment » of such practice ? In the old days, the muezzin call to prayer was not done via loud speakers because they were not invented at the time, and people lived in small communities and tribes. In modern times, people live in cities and big towns like Quatre Bornes, and loudspeakers are a necessity for the muezzin to reach Muslims, whether they are the majority or minority in those conglomerates. This right has always been respected in Mauritius, and it is an acquired right too. Except for a few racists and prejudiced people, this fundamental human right of Muslims has always been respected. Even the Commissioner for Human Rights, Dheeraj Seetulsing, accepts this. The laws may have to be changed to make it clearer for racists to understand.

Lam Shang Leen has no lessons to give Muslims on how they should practice their religion, even though some Muslims traitors may well agree with him. When the one who signs ‘Un Musulman’ says : « La foi ne se mesure pas en décibels ! » , or when Hervé Duval Junior says " Aux yeux de la loi, Dieu n'a jamais été sourd ", they simply demonstrate sheer ignorance of particular faiths. [le Mauricien, 28 mars 2007]. Azaan is an obligation for Musilms and cannot be equated with noise as in decibels. And, since God is not deaf, then, according to Mr Duval, one should stop going to mosques, temples and churches and pray in their own hearts at home. According to Samad Ramoly, church bells and the use of loudspeakers for the purpose of Azaan are both wrong. By arguing that one wrong (church bells) should not be used as justification for the other wrong (Azaan via loud speakers), Ramoly demonstrates a complete misunderstanding of how individual faiths express themselves.

The judgement of Paul Lam Shang Leen is a disgraceful judgement designed to stab Muslims through the heart, and to create a pyschosis against Muslims in Mauritius. He clearly twists legal provisions, misinterprets facts and gives his own prejudiced and warped version of facts. Muslims are strongly advised to appeal and to object for any of their legal cases to be presided by such a biased and prejudiced judge who has, for a very long time, given the Mauritian judiciary a bad name. Muslims must fight with their every breath to preserve their inalieanable traditions and for their fundamental human rights to preserve the use of loudspeakers for the muezzin’s call for prayer in modern times. Non-Muslims have always respected this, just like Muslims have always respected their rights. Muslims have no lessons to learn from Gavin Glover or Lam Shang Leen. The sooner Lam Shang Leen steps down, the better it will be for the Mauritian justice system.

Yacoob Azan

California, USA

29 March 2007