A Chiming Clock in the Mosque

Question

What is the ruling of the Shari‘a on the large clock that is usually fixed on a wall and chimes every half hour, striking in a resounding tone — particularly on installing it in a mosque?

Answer

The essential purpose of this clock too is only to know the time; listening to its sound, as with the sitar or a musical instrument, is not the purpose. However, because singing and music have become widespread, its sound has been designed with such a consideration that even someone who does not wish to hear the sound of music, and indeed detests it, hears it involuntarily.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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