NEW YORK: The Muslim call to prayer (Adhan) will ring out more freely in New York City under guidelines announced by Mayor Eric Adams. He said the move aims to foster a spirit of inclusivity. The new rules allow mosques to broadcast Adhan on Fridays and during the month of Ramadan.
The recently announced rules allow mosques to broadcast the Muslim call to prayer on Fridays between 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. The mosques do not require a special permit, even in light of existing sound restrictions. Additionally, the updated guidelines enable the broadcast of the Adhan during Ramadan. Muslims regard it as a sacred month characterized by fasting and special prayers.
Mayor Adams disclosed that the police department’s community affairs bureau would collaborate with mosques to communicate the revised regulations. This collaboration aims to ensure that the equipment used for the Adhan adheres to appropriate decibel levels. The mayor’s office indicated that mosques will be able to broadcast the Adhan at a sound level of 10 decibels.
Adams declared, “I have recognized that communities have been prohibited from loudly calling for prayer for far too long. Today, I am making it unequivocally clear that places of worship and mosques can sound the Adhan on Jummah and during Ramadan.”
Adhan’s Resonance Strengthens NYC Muslim Community
He emphasized that during his tenure as Mayor of New York City, he would not relegate the Muslim community to the fringes of the American dream.
Somaia Ferozi, the Principal of the Ideal Islamic School in Queens, regarded this new rule as a positive step. She explained, “When our children hear the Adhan, they are reminded of their identity.”
She added that having the call to prayer resonate within a neighborhood of New York City will foster a sense of belonging for these children within a community that recognizes and includes them.
