For the first time in Minneapolis history, the Muslim call to prayer will be broadcast over loudspeaker five times per day beginning this Thursday.
The call to prayer, known as the adhan, will be played over a loudspeaker in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood during the month of Ramadan, which is expected to begin Thursday evening, according to a report in the Sahan Journal.
Due to the state’s “stay-at-home” order in place because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the report states that Muslims are stuck inside their homes, unable to go to the mosque to hear the adhan and perform their prayers.
The broadcast is being made possible through a new partnership between the city of Minneapolis and community members, the report states.
In a prepared statement, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said he hoped the daily broadcasts would give some stability and reassurance to city residents as Muslims prepare for Ramadan. “At a time when physical distancing requires we pray apart, it’s incumbent on leaders to create a sense of togetherness where we can,” Frey said. “Adhan provides solidarity and comfort – both of which are essential during a time of crisis.”
The speaker will be placed outside Dar Al-Hijrah Mosque near the intersection of South Fifth Street and Cedar Avenue. It will be played at volumes consistent with city regulations. Thousands of residents living nearby should be able to hear the adhan across the Cedar-Riverside area.
“All over the world Muslims understand and feel great comfort in the public call to prayer,” said Imam Sharif Mohamed of Dar Al-Hijrah Mosque. “In this time of fear and isolation, the Muslim communities of Minnesota benefit from a city that honors and loves all of its diversity.”
CAIR-Minnesota’s Executive Director Jaylani Hussein was quoted saying, “This historic effort to promote religious inclusion – offering the call to prayer in Cedar Riverside Community —will be welcomed by the Muslim community and all those who value diversity and mutual understanding.”
The adhan will reverberate across the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood five times per day, from dawn to shortly after sunset.
