All mosques are now able to call out adhan prayer, a call to prayer for Muslims, in New York City, United States of America. With the new regulations made just last week by Eric Adams, Mayor of the New York City, the mosques won’t require any types of permits or permission from local authorities.
The regulations will require mosques to call out the adhan every week on Friday between 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. and also on the whole month of Ramadhan for the Maghrib prayers, which are done after the sunset. In the month of Ramadhan, Muslims break their fast during the adhan for the Maghrib prayer. This will create a great atmosphere for all Muslims during the holy month.
Sheikh Abdullah Salem, the Imam of the Muslim Community Centre, said, “As someone who grew up in Egypt and heard the call of prayer my entire life, I truly missed its beauty and peaceful reminder to take a moment and appreciate what you have.” He feels grateful to hear it again in his own city.
The adhan prayer for Maghrib prayer will be broadcasted in public over the speakers or public address system of a house of worship. The adhan, which is also called Azan, is to summon all Muslims for their prayers, whether they are done at the mosque or at home.
With the collaboration between the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and Muslim faith leaders, they will work together with mosques in every neighbourhood to ensure the device used for adhan prayer is set at appropriate decibel levels in accordance with the noise code of the city’s administrative code.
Adams showed his inclusive leadership mindset when he stated that by providing the new regulation, it would give inclusion to all Muslims in New York City. He wanted the city to have a rich tradition of culture and faith to allow all cultures and religions to be acknowledged.
During the news conference attended by representatives from various mosque associations, Adams stated, “For a long time, there has been a feeling that our communities were not allowed to broadcast the adhan.”
He also said, “Today, we are cutting red tape and saying clearly that mosques and houses of worship are free to amplify the call to prayer on Fridays and during Ramadan without a permit necessary. You are free to live your faith in New York City.” He also believes that the Muslim community in the city is the key to prosperity.
