- Mayor Eric Adams takes the historic decision to foster inclusivity and respect for all faiths.
- The new rules apply to Fridays and at sundown during Ramadan.
Mosques across New York will be able to broadcast Adhan, or Muslim call to prayer, freely every Friday and throughout Ramadan under new guidelines announced Tuesday by Mayor Eric Adams to foster a spirit of inclusivity.
Under the new rules, commissioned by Mayor Adams and New York City Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner Edward A. Caban, mosques will not need a special permit to publicly broadcast the Islamic call to prayer, or adhan, on Fridays, and at sundown during the holy month of Ramadan.
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“For too long, there has been a feeling that our communities were not allowed to amplify their calls to prayer,” said Mayor Adams in a statement.
“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. Our administration is proud to finally get this done.”
Historic Step
The Adhan is the call to announce that it is time for a particular obligatory Salah (ritual prayer).
The effort represents a historic step forward in Mayor Adams’ continued efforts to foster a city that respects all faiths and allows people to practice their traditions safely and free from harassment.
Muslims praised the mayor’s decision as contributing to greater understanding and appreciation of Muslims.
Surrounded by Muslim leaders at a City Hall news conference, Adams said Muslim New Yorkers “will not live in the shadows of the American dream while I am the mayor of the city of New York.”
