VIDEO: Muslim call to prayer can now be broadcast publicly in New York without a permit

Gulf Today Report

New York City announced that mosques would be allowed to broadcast the call to Friday prayers using loudspeakers, without the need to obtain prior permits.

The city confirmed that the decision would also apply to Taraweeh prayers throughout the month of Ramadan, in an attempt to serve the Islamic community in New York, according to media reports.

The Muslim call to prayer (Adhaan) will ring out more freely in New York City under guidelines announced on Tuesday by Mayor Eric Adams, which he said should foster a spirit of inclusivity.

Eric Adams, the city’s mayor, confirmed: “Today we say clearly that if you are a mosque or house of worship of any kind, you do not have to apply for a permit to call for Friday prayers.”

"You are free to practice your religion in New York City."

The statement said that the new initiative, launched by the New York Police, makes it clear that the call to prayer is allowed in New York City and is not prohibited despite sound restrictions in the city’s neighbourhoods.

The police department’s community affairs bureau will work with mosques to communicate the new guidelines and ensure that devices used to broadcast the Adhaan are set to appropriate decibel levels, Adams said.

Houses of worship can broadcast up to 10 decibels over the ambient sound level, the mayor's office said.

"For too long, there has been a feeling that our communities were not allowed to amplify their calls to prayer,” Adams said.

"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.”