A Burnaby Muslim association is asking the city for permission to broadcast its evening call to prayer over loudspeakers during Ramadan.
The Burnaby branch of the B.C. Muslim Association, located at the Masjid al-Salaam and Education Centre on Canada Way, made the request to city council on April 29, and it will be received by council in the May 11 public meeting.
The call to prayer, referred to as an adhān, would be played for three minutes starting at sundown during Ramadan, according to a letter from the local B.C. Muslim Association branch. The adhān is recited at various prescribed times during the day, including after sunset.
The sunset adhān will also signal to those adhering to fasting during Ramadan that they may break their fast for the night.
Yahya Momla, imam for the Burnaby group, wrote that the adhān would also take on new meaning this year if they’re approved to broadcast it.
“This is a show of unity and solidarity with the city and British Columbia that we will overcome the COVID-19 challenge and these difficult times together,” Momla wrote. “The adhān is also our unique way of paying homage to the courage, sacrifice and bravery of our first responders.”
Momla noted the practice has been approved in other cities in Alberta and Ontario.
He said the mosque remains closed to the public, but the adhān will be played on video over YouTube and Facebook as well.
Staff recommended council approve the request as long as the call to prayer complies with Burnaby’s noise bylaw.
