The Muslim call to prayer can now be broadcast by mosques (masjids) in New York City without a permission on Fridays from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., even in locations with noise restrictions.
This modification also enables the Adhan or Azan, the call to prayer that is heard throughout Ramadan, an important month of fasting and devotion for Muslims, to be broadcast in the evenings.
In an effort to streamline procedures and allow places of worship, including mosques, to freely exercise their religion in the city, Mayor Eric Adams unveiled these new regulations. He highlighted that religious organizations don’t require licenses to make their demand for Friday prayer more loudly.
In order to call Muslims to prayer, the Adhan is usually announced over loudspeakers in places of worship. The program, spearheaded by the NYPD, makes it clear that the call to prayer is permitted in New York City, even in locations where noise limits apply.