New York Mosque broadcasts Adhan for first time

The historic moment was captured by many Muslims who attended the Friday prayers at the Islamic Cultural Center of New York (ICCNY) in Manhattan, one of the largest mosques in the city. They recorded the adhan with their mobile phones and shared their joy and gratitude on social media.

The adhan was broadcasted through the loudspeaker of the mosques, following a new guidance issued by Mayor Eric Adams on Tuesday. The guidance allows mosques and other houses of worship to amplify their calls to prayer on Fridays and during the holy month of Ramadan without a permit, as long as they do not exceed 54 decibels.

"For too long, there has been confusion about which communities were not allowed to amplify their calls to prayer," Adams said at a news conference attended by representatives from various mosque associations and Muslim foundations. "Today, we are cutting red tape and saying clearly that mosques and houses of worship are free to amplify their call to prayer on Fridays and during Ramadan without a permit necessary," he added.

Under the new guidance, a mosque or masjid can broadcast adhan every Friday between 12.30 p.m. and 1.30 p.m. as well as before the fast-breaking meal, or iftar, every evening during Ramadan. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, when Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn to sunset.

Leaders from the Muslim community expressed gratitude to the mayor and other officials for their support and recognition of their religious rights and practices. They also thanked the neighbors and other faith groups for their tolerance and solidarity.

The adhan is a ritual that invites Muslims to perform their five daily prayers. It consists of phrases that declare the oneness of God, the prophethood of Muhammad (PBUH), and the time of prayer. The adhan is usually recited by a muezzin, or a person who calls to prayer, from a minaret or a tower attached to a mosque.