A downtown mosque in Regina has reported receiving threats following its initiation of a weekly amplified Muslim call to prayer, known as the adhan, from a rooftop speaker. The Regina City Jamia Masjid began testing this broadcast on Fridays at noon, with the call lasting approximately three minutes. M Anisur Rahaman, the mosque’s director, emphasized that the intention is not to disturb anyone but to foster understanding and dialogue. The Regina Police Service issued an amplification permit for the call, which is valid until July 2026 and aligns with the city’s noise abatement bylaw. Since the first broadcast, the mosque has received 10 to 15 threats via various channels, with some stemming from misunderstandings about the frequency and timing of the call to prayer.
Why It Matters
This incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding religious practices in public spaces, particularly in diverse communities. The broadcasting of the call to prayer is a significant cultural expression for Muslims, yet it can also provoke backlash due to prevailing social attitudes and misunderstandings. Regina’s police are taking threats seriously under enhanced hate crime legislation, reflecting broader societal concerns about safety for religious minorities. The mosque’s initiative to share knowledge and encourage dialogue underscores the importance of community engagement in addressing and alleviating prejudice.
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