- New York City revises rules allowing mosques to broadcast Friday call to prayer without permits, even in noise-restricted areas.
- Azan can also be broadcast during Ramadan evenings as part of updated guidelines.
- Mayor Eric Adams’ initiative promotes religious freedom for places of worship.
New York City has introduced revised regulations, granting mosques the freedom to broadcast the Muslim call to prayer on Fridays from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., exempt from permits, including in noise-restricted zones.
This update further permits the Adhan, also known as the Azan, to be aired during the evenings throughout the sacred month of Ramadan, a period of fasting and devotion observed by Muslims.
Mayor Eric Adams unveiled these fresh directives, aiming to streamline procedures and ensure that places of worship, including mosques, can exercise their religious practices freely within the city. He underscored that religious institutions are not obligated to secure permits for amplifying the call to Friday prayer.
Traditionally proclaimed via loudspeakers at places of worship, the Adhan brings Muslims together for prayer. Spearheaded by the New York Police Department (NYPD), this initiative clarifies that the call to prayer holds permission within New York City, even within zones subject to noise regulations.