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North The Indian Eye

AMERICANNewsline

18 SEPTEMBER 08, 2023

Muslim Call of Prayer “Azan” approved

in New York City by Mayor Adams

OUR BUREAU clearly that mosques and houses of
worship are free to amplify their call
NEW YORK, NY
to prayer on Fridays and during Ra-
ew York City Mayor Eric madan without a permit necessary.
Adams and New York City We want our brothers and sisters of
NPolice Department (NYPD) Muslim faith to know that they are
Commissioner Edward A. Caban free to live their faith in New York
have launched a new NYPD initia- City because, under the law, we will all
tive to support and facilitate the Is- be treated equally. Our administra-
lamic call to public prayer at regular- tion is proud to finally get this done.”
ly prescribed times each Friday and “This important work, being led
during the holy month of Ramadan. by our NYPD Community Affairs
The effort represents a historic step Bureau, is a fundamental service to
forward in Mayor Adams’ continued the ideas of religious freedom, un-
efforts to foster a city that respects all derstanding, and sustained peace
faiths and allows people to practice and prosperity for all,” said NYPD
their traditions safely and free from Commissioner Caban. “Our hard-
harassment. working police officers know that our vance that arrives in the ninth month and peaceful reminder to take a mo-
The Azan, also spelled Adhan, is diversity — our rich blend of varying of the Islamic calendar. ment and appreciate what you have,”
a succinct message — usually broad- backgrounds and experiences — is The NYPD Community Affairs said Imam Abdullah Salem, Muslim
cast publicly over the speakers or what often makes us stronger. The Bureau and Muslim faith leaders will Community Center of Brooklyn. “I
public address system of a house of NYPD’s proud embrace of this idea work collaboratively in every neigh- am so grateful to be able to hear it
worship — summoning members is at the heart of our robust commu- borhood with mosques and masjids again here in my own city.”
of the Muslim faith for prayer. The nity outreach, our crime-fighting ef- to communicate the new plans for “As a principal of an Islamic
NYPD’s new legal guidance clarifies forts, and our ongoing public safety Adhan to local community leaders school, I see my students struggling
for mosques and masjids that the call mission.” and stakeholders. They will work to to maintain their identity as a Muslim.
to prayer is allowed in New York City Under the new guidance, a ensure that any sound device used Many are afraid to share it, and the
and not prohibited despite sound re- mosque or masjid can broadcast to broadcast an Adhan is set at ap- rest are hesitant,” said Somaia Fero-
strictions in city neighborhoods. the call to prayer every Friday be- propriate decibel levels and in accor- zi, principal, Ideal Islamic School.
“For too long, there has been a tween 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM as well dance with the rules of the noise code “For them to hear the call of prayer
feeling that our communities were as during the sunset prayers every within the city’s administrative code. in public during our holiest days will
not allowed to amplify their calls to evening during Ramadan — a holy, “As someone who grew up in affirm to them that this is their city,
prayer,” said Mayor Adams. “Today, month-long period of fasting, prayer, Egypt and hearing the call of prayer and they have the right to worship
we are cutting red tape and saying reflection, and community obser- my entire life, I truly missed its beauty like everyone else.”

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