Mohammad Kaif
A fresh controversy has emerged at Aligarh Muslim University after allegations surfaced that the Azaan through loudspeakers at campus mosques was stopped during a high-profile political visit on June 22.
The issue gained attention after an open letter by student activist and advocate Syed Kaif Hasan was circulated among students, teachers, and alumni, raising serious questions about the administration’s decision.
Open letter questions AMU administration
In his letter addressed to the Vice-Chancellor, teachers, and alumni, Hasan described the alleged stopping of Azaan through microphones as “unprecedented” in the university’s history.
He wrote that the decision, reportedly taken during the visit of a political dignitary whose helicopter landed on campus, was not just an administrative matter but one linked to the identity and traditions of the university.
Hasan asked the administration to explain under what authority the loudspeaker Azaan was allegedly stopped.
Student accounts fuel controversy
The matter intensified after several students shared their experiences on social media.
According to these accounts, a student at McDonnell Hostel, Aftab Hall, was allegedly stopped from giving Azaan through a microphone and informed that loudspeakers had been restricted on instructions from university authorities.
These claims quickly spread, triggering anger and concern among sections of the student community.
Hasan accuses administration of avoiding questions
In his letter, Hasan urged the Vice-Chancellor to publicly clarify the circumstances and appealed to teachers and alumni to protect the values and traditions of the institution founded by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan.
He also warned against what he called growing political interference in university affairs.
After the university denied the claims, Hasan accused officials of trying to shift focus away from the main issue.
He said the administration was “attacking the messenger instead of answering the questions raised by students.”
AMU administration denies allegations
The university administration has rejected the claims. AMU Proctor Naved Khan reportedly called the open letter “provocative” and denied that there was any ban on Azaan.
According to him, the allegations were baseless and no official order was issued to stop the religious practice.
However, the administration has not yet publicly released any official communication regarding the matter.
Debate expands beyond one incident
What began as a dispute over loudspeaker use has now turned into a wider debate inside the AMU community about institutional autonomy, transparency, religious practices, and political influence.
Many students, alumni, and observers are now demanding that the university make all relevant facts and internal communications public to clear the confusion.
