CAIR-NJ Calls on Officials to Pass Adhan Ordinance
South Plainfield, NJ: The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) February 25 called on Paterson, NJ, city council officials to pass the proposed ordinance allowing mosques in Paterson to broadcast the Adhan, or the Muslim call to prayer.
This evening at 7 p.m., Paterson city council members are poised to change its noise ordinance to allow for the Muslim call to prayer to be broadcast over loudspeakers.
The proposed ordinance could allow a call to prayer over exterior speakers to be made between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.
In a statement, CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut said:“The Islamic call to prayer is an integral aspect of a Muslim’s five daily prayers. Like church bells, it summons worshipers to enter the prayer space, to turn one’s body, mind and spirit toward God.”
He added: “We applaud Paterson officials for taking this admirable step toward inclusion and encourage them to pass the proposed ordinance. Their open-mindedness to such laws is a concrete demonstration of respect and mutual understanding between the residents of our rich and diverse communities.”
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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