Sounding a siren for Iftaar and Sehri

Question:-

In our area (Lenasia) there are a couple of Masjids that use the siren to indicate the ending of Sehri time. The siren is sounded for about 10 seconds.

The same happens at Iftaar. However, they sound the siren first, allow the people to break their fast, and then 5mins later give the Adhaan.

The siren sounds like the ones used on Christian/Hindu hearses. Is this Bid’ah? Is it permissible?

Answer:-

If the siren doesn’t contain any music, nor does it sound like a bell, etc. then there is no harm in sounding the siren for Iftaar or Sehri. It is merely used to inform the people that the time of Iftaar has set in, or the time of Sehri will soon be ending, hence, it cannot be considered as a Bid’ah. By the time Adhaan is called out at Maghrib, all would have completed their Iftaari (with dates and water), and they may now respond to the Adhaan.

However, if similar sirens are being used by hearses or, certain hooters sound like the siren, then it will be better to call out the Adhaan (instead of using the siren) as one could possibly be confused and make Iftaari before the stipulated time.

ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!

ANSWERED BY:

Mufti Mohammed Desai

Date: 07 Ramadaan 1444 / 30 March 2023