Minneapolis becomes first US city to allow “adhan” to be heard over loudspeakers five times a day
Minneapolis: Minneapolis on Thursday became the first major city in America to permit broadcasts of the Muslim call to prayers, allowing “adhan” to be heard over speakers five times a day, year-round.
According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, The Minneapolis City Council on Thursday voted unanimously to amend the city's noise ordinance. Due to noise restrictions morning and late evening calls were prevented at certain times of the year. The vote came during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
“The Constitution doesn't sleep at night,” said Jaylani Hussein, executive director of the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, after the vote. He said the action in Minneapolis shows the world that a “nation founded on freedom of religion makes good on its promise.”
Three of 13 members of the council identify as Muslim. Apart from the vote being anonimous, there was no organized community opposition with the decision. Mayor Jacob Frey is expected to sign the measure next week.
Imam Mohammed Dukuly of Masjid An-Nur mosque in Minneapolis, one of several musllim leaders who witnessed the vote said,“Minneapolis has become a city for all religions.”
In Minnesota, dawn arrives at 5:30 am in the summer while happesns at 9pm.
Last year, the city allowed year-round broadcasts between 7 am and 10 pm excluding early morning prayer and sometimes night prayer.
At a recent public hearing, Christian and Jewish leaders expressed support for extending the hours for the adhan.
Observing the final day of Passover, Council Member Lisa Goodman noted that the Jewish call to prayer — which is generally spoken rather than broadcast — doesn't face legal restrictions. Observers noted that church bells regularly toll for Christians.
Council member Jamal Osman said, “It's something I grew up with, but not my children” adding that hearing the call to prayer from local mosques brings him joy.
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Speaker UT Khader attends local cricket tournament during Bhatkal visit
Bhatkal: Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly U. T. Khader visited Bhatkal in Uttara Kannada district on Saturday and attended a local cricket match being played as part of a tournament organised by the Cosmos Sports Centre of Bhatkal.
After attending a programme at Anjuman Hami-E-Muslimeen, Khader proceeded to the Bhatkal Taluka Stadium, where the tournament is underway. He was accompanied by office-bearers of the Cosmos Sports Centre and several local community leaders.
Those present during the visit included President of Majlis-e-Islah Wa Tanzeem and former JD(S) leader Inayathullah Shabandri, Vice President of Tanzeem Atiqur Rahman Muniri, General Secretary Abdul Raqeeb MJ, President of Cosmos Sports Centre Ismail Anjum, Managing Director of Mohtisham Complexes S. M. Arshad, former president of the Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation Imtiyaz Udyawar, among others.
Addressing players and organisers, Khader extended his best wishes to the participating teams and urged the players to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship. He said such tournaments help promote unity and brotherhood among the youth.
The cricket tournament began on November 21 and will conclude with the final match on December 21. It is being organised as part of the golden jubilee celebrations of the Cosmos Sports Centre.
Cosmos Sports Centre is one of the member clubs of the Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation and is known for its active role in promoting sports in the town. Apart from sporting activities, the centre is also involved in various social and community initiatives, including efforts to promote education among students.
