Loud speakers only for Azan and Friday sermons: Egypt's Awqaf
Ahram Online , Friday 17 Apr 2015
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/127940/Egypt/Politics-/Loud-speakers-only-for-Azan-and-Friday-sermons-Egy.aspx

Egypt's state religious authority has banned the use of loud speakers in
mosques beyond the call to prayer (Azan) and Friday afternoon sermons, an
official statement said.

The ministry of religious endowments (Awqaf) also warned in Friday's
statement that violators could face salary deductions or transfer.

Awqaf asked its employees in different governorates to provide the names of
those responsible for mosque property and its speakers within 10 days.

Millions of Muslim Egyptians, men and women, attend Friday prayers in
mosques and listen to the recently standardised sermons by Awqaf-appointed
Imams.

Islamic jurisprudence mandates Muslims conduct five sets of daily prayers.

In March, Awqaf placed all non-governmental Islamic cultural institutes and
preacher training centres under its direct supervision.

Last year, Awqaf mandated all preachers to acquire a permit before
administering sermons on the pulpit, banning all unlicensed preachers.

The ministry also prohibited Friday prayers at small, less-regulated corner
mosques known as Zawaya.

President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi recently called on Al-Azhar to
"revolutionise" its religious discourse in order to guide Muslims to a
correct understanding of Islam.