Minneapolis has become the first major city in the United States to allow all five Muslim calls to prayer, or adhans, to be played on loudspeakers, in a historic decision by the City Council. Despite existing noise ordinances, the unanimous vote of 12-0 by the Council has been hailed as a significant victory for religious freedom and pluralism.
The decision by the Minneapolis City Council to allow all five Muslim calls to prayer on loudspeakers is seen as a groundbreaking move towards inclusivity and recognizing the rights of religious minorities.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR’s) state director, Jaylani Hussein, expressed gratitude to the Council for setting an example and called on other cities to follow suit. The adhan, which alerts observant Muslims to designated prayer times, can now be recited from 3:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. from mosques in Minneapolis, marking a milestone for the Muslim community in the city.
Minneapolis had previously limited the times and sound levels at which the adhan could be recited, but the recent decision expands the time frame during which the adhan can be played on loudspeakers. The adhan, which includes the declaration Allahu Akbar, or God is great in Arabic, is a fundamental aspect of the daily prayer routine for Muslims. The Council’s decision to allow the adhan from mosques throughout the city is a milestone for the Muslim community.
The historic decision by Minneapolis has garnered attention nationwide, with many lauding it as a landmark moment for religious freedom in the United States. It sets an example for others to consider similar measures, promoting a more inclusive society that values diversity and respects the rights of religious minorities.
