This is a historic victory for religious freedom and pluralism for our entire nation.....
The United States largest city Minneapolis, Minnesota, become first largest city in history to allowed the Islamic prayer (adhan) to echo in its streets, five times each day.
While making changes to the city's noise ordinance, in which some morning and evening prayer call had prevented during certain time of the year, the Minneapolis City Council unanimously approved the resolution.
On Thursday, Director of the council of American Islamic Relations (CAIR) Jaylani Hussein said in a statement, 'this is a historic victory for religious freedom and pluralism for our entire nation' after the voting. "We thank the members of the Minneapolis City Council for setting this great example, and we urge other cities to follow it.”
During the holy month of Ramadan the vote took place and has been met with celebration from members of the city’s local Muslim community. Next Monday, the city’s mayor is expected to sign the resolution.
Minneapolis has become a city for all religions,” said Imam Mohammed Dukuly of Masjid An-Nur mosque in Minneapolis.
Last year the city allowed year-round broadcast of the call to prayer, but only between 7am and 10pm, while excluding some morning and evening prayers.
In Minneapolis, dawn comes as early as 5:30am and sunset after 9pm during certain times of year.
When light appears at dawn, at noon, at late afternoon, at sunset and when at night, prayers take place.
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