Minneapolis becomes first major US city to allow Muslim call to prayer at all times

Minneapolis officers have accredited loudspeaker broadcasts of the Muslim name to prayer always – making it the primary main American metropolis to take action.

The Minneapolis Metropolis Council on Thursday unanimously agreed to amend town’s noise ordinance, permitting the “adhan” — Arabic for “announcement”–to sound 5 occasions a day, year-round.

The prayers had beforehand been broadcast thrice a day there earlier than, however the ordinance prevented daybreak and late night calls at sure occasions of the 12 months resulting from noise restrictions.

The vote got here in the course of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, and the choice drew no organized group opposition. Mayor Jacob Frey is predicted to signal the measure subsequent week.

“The Structure doesn’t sleep at night time,” mentioned Jaylani Hussein, government director of the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, after the vote.

He mentioned the choice exhibits the world {that a} “nation based on freedom of faith makes good on its promise.”

Minneapolis has had a flourishing East African immigrants inhabitants since at the least the Nineties, and mosques there are widespread. Three of 13 members of the council determine as Muslim.

With Submit wires.