A resonant sound, traditionally heard within mosques, now echoes through the streets of Manhattan and New York City – the Islamic call to prayer, or Adhan. Residents report hearing it five times each day, a dramatic shift in the city’s soundscape.
The increase in broadcasts has sparked concern and frustration among many New Yorkers. Complaints are mounting, particularly in areas with large Muslim populations like Astoria, Brooklyn, and throughout Manhattan, as the volume and frequency of the calls grow.
The practice began with limited allowances under the previous administration in 2023, permitting broadcasts on Fridays and during Ramadan. However, the current situation represents a significant escalation, with daily calls now spreading with little apparent restriction.
For some, the Adhan is perceived not as a peaceful religious observance, but as a deliberate assertion of faith and a challenge to the existing cultural norms. The core phrases – “Allahu Akbar” and “There is no god but Allah” – are interpreted by some as declarations of dominance and a rejection of other beliefs.
This perceived imbalance fuels anxieties, as the possibility of similar public displays of other faiths in traditionally Muslim countries is met with strict prohibition. The contrast is stark, and the feeling of unequal treatment is deeply felt by some residents.
The situation evokes memories of past tragedies for many New Yorkers, particularly those who remember the events of 9/11. The public broadcasting of the Adhan in a city scarred by that attack adds a layer of emotional complexity and unease.
The growing frequency of these broadcasts is described by some as a form of “civilizational jihad,” a deliberate attempt to reshape the cultural landscape of the city. This perspective views the situation as a calculated move, rooted in a specific ideological agenda.
The increasing normalization of this practice is raising questions about the future of New York City and the balance between religious freedom and the rights of all residents to a peaceful and undisturbed public space.
