Minneapolis OKs dawn Muslim prayer call, 1st for big US city
Minneapolis will allow broadcast of the Muslim call to prayer in early mornings and late evenings, becoming the first major U.S. city to allow the announcement over speakers five times a day, year-round
Minneapolis OKs dawn Muslim prayer call, 1st for big US city
Minneapolis will allow broadcast of the Muslim call to prayer in early mornings and late evenings, becoming the first major U.S. city to allow the announcement over speakers five times a day, year-roundThe Minneapolis City Council unanimously agreed Thursday to amend the city's noise ordinance, which had prevented dawn and late evening calls at certain times of the year due to noise restrictions, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported. 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.”
Minneapolis has had a flourishing population of East African immigrants since at least the 1990s, and mosques now are common. Three of 13 members of the council identify as Muslim. The decision drew no organized community opposition. Mayor Jacob Frey is expected to sign the measure next week.
“Minneapolis has become a city for all religions,” said Imam Mohammed Dukuly of Masjid An-Nur mosque in Minneapolis, who was among several Muslim leaders who witnessed the vote.
