In a move aimed at promoting inclusivity and recognizing the diversity of religious practices within the city, Mayor Eric Adams has announced updated guidelines that allow mosques to publicly broadcast the Muslim call to prayer, known as the adhan, without requiring a special permit. The decision was unveiled on August 29 at a City Hall press conference, with Muslim leaders standing alongside the mayor.
Under the new regulations, mosques across the city will be able to broadcast the adhan on Fridays and at sundown during the holy month of Ramadan without the need for prior authorization. The move comes as part of Mayor Adams' commitment to fostering an environment where all religious communities can freely express their beliefs.
Mayor Adams emphasized that the changes are aimed at eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles.
"For too long, there has been a feeling that our communities were not allowed to amplify their calls to prayer. Today, we are cutting red tape and saying clearly that mosques and houses of worship are free to amplify their call to prayer on Fridays and during Ramadan without a permit necessary," Mayor Adams stated.
The New York City Police Department's Community Affairs Bureau will collaborate with mosques to ensure that the broadcast adheres to appropriate sound levels. As per the mayor's office, the adhan can be broadcast up to 10 decibels over the ambient sound level. This effort aims to balance the religious freedom of Muslim worshipers with the considerations of the broader community.
The adhan holds significant cultural and religious importance within the Muslim community, both as a call to prayer and as a symbol of unity. While it is a familiar sound in majority-Muslim countries, it has been less common in the United States. Minneapolis attracted attention last year when it allowed mosques to publicly broadcast the adhan.
Flanked by Muslim leaders during the announcement, Mayor Adams reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that New York City's diverse communities are not marginalized, saying;
"Muslim New Yorkers will not live in the shadows of the American dream while I am the mayor of the city of New York."
Afaf Nasher, the executive director of the New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, emphasized the significance of the decision in promoting understanding and appreciation for the Muslim community.
"The sound of the adhan is not just a call to prayer; it is a call to unity, reflection, and community. We believe that this action will contribute to greater understanding and appreciation of the Muslim community’s values and traditions," she stated.
Somaia Ferozi, principal of the Ideal Islamic School in Queens, praised the city's decision for its positive impact on her students and the broader community, reinforcing a sense of acceptance and mutual respect.
The move to allow the public broadcast of the adhan in New York City reflects a broader trend towards recognizing and accommodating diverse religious practices within urban environments, underlining the city's commitment to fostering an inclusive atmosphere where all residents can freely observe their faiths.
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