This week, Mayor Eric Adams and the New York City Police Department launched a new initiative in support of Islamic prayer throughout NYC.
The NYPD initiative will enable mosques and under houses of worship to publicly broadcast the Adhan, which is a succinct message that summons Muslims for prayer.
Under the new guidance, the call to prayer will be allowed to be broadcasted every Friday between 12:30pm and 1:30pm, in addition to the sunset prayers that occur every evening during Ramadan — the month-long period of fasting, prayer, reflection that is observed during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.
Mayor Adams says the initiative is a historic step forward in fostering a city that “respects all faiths and allows people to practice their traditions safely and free from harassment.”
“For too long, there has been a feeling that our communities were not allowed to amplify their calls to prayer,” said Adams.
“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. We want our brothers and sisters of Muslim faith to know that they are free to live their faith in New York City because, under the law, we will all be treated equally.”
To avoid violating noise codes, the NYPD Community Affairs Bureau and Muslim leaders will work with mosques and masjids throughout NYC to ensure that sound devices utilized to broadcast the Adhan is set to appropriate decibel levels.
Somaia Ferozi, the principal at Ideal Islamic School, says that the initiative will especially have a big impact on the young Muslim community that populates NYC.
“As a principal of an Islamic school, I see my students struggling to maintain their identity as a Muslim. Many are afraid to share it, and the rest are hesitant,” said Ferozi. “For them to hear the call of prayer in public during our holiest days will affirm to them that this is their city, and they have the right to worship like everyone else.”
