New York City Mayor Eric Adams revealed on August 29 that mosques would no longer need permission to broadcast the Azaan, the Islamic call to prayer, on Fridays and during Ramadan. This change comes as part of an initiative by the New York Police Department (NYPD) to support and facilitate public Islamic prayer times.
Previously, a permit was required for such broadcasts, but now, mosques can amplify their calls without this restriction. Mayor Adams emphasized that this step was taken to promote religious freedom and equality for the Muslim community in the city.
NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban explained that this move aligns with their community engagement efforts. The NYPD’s Community Affairs division will collaborate with mosques to ensure compliance with updated guidelines and suitable noise levels for the broadcasts.
Mosques are allowed to broadcast the call to prayer with up to 10 decibels above the ambient sound level. The designated times for the call to prayer include Fridays between 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM, as well as during sunset prayers throughout Ramadan.
