The Daily Muse

New York City has issued new guidance allowing mosques to broadcast the Muslim call to prayer without obtaining a permit. The guidance, which was announced by Mayor Eric Adams on Tuesday, applies to the call to prayer that is broadcast on Fridays between 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. and during Ramadan, a month-long period of fasting and prayer for the Muslim community. The call to prayer, known as the Adhan, is a short, melodic chant that is used to summon Muslims to prayer. It is typically broadcast over speakers or a public address system in a mosque. The new guidance clarifies that the Adhan is not prohibited by sound restrictions in city neighborhoods. This is a significant change, as mosques in New York City have previously been required to obtain a permit to broadcast the call to prayer. The guidance also states that mosques should be mindful of their neighbors when broadcasting the Adhan. Mosques should not broadcast the call to prayer at a volume that is disruptive to their nei...

For Muslims all across the world, Ramazan is a sacred month of fasting, prayer, and introspection. The last ten days of Ramazan are especially significant since they are thought to be the most auspicious and rewarding days of the month. Muslims participate in strong spiritual practices throughout this period to seek forgiveness, blessings, and closeness to Allah. The last ten days of Ramazan are extremely notable because they contain Laylatul-Qadr, also known as the Night of Power, which is considered the holiest night of the year. It is said that the first words of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) during this night and that the blessings of worshipping during this night are doubled many times over. “The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.” 97:3 One of the key practices during the last 10 days of Ramazan is itikaf, which is a spiritual retreat where Muslims seclude themselves in a mosque or designated space for a period of time, focu...