New York City Hears Muslim Call to Prayer Echoing Through Streets

Residents raise concerns over early morning broadcasts in neighborhoods scarred by 9/11 attacks

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Twenty-five years after the 9/11 attacks, videos have emerged showing the Islamic call to prayer, known as the Adhan, being broadcast over loudspeakers in New York City neighborhoods starting as early as 5 a.m. This has sparked debate, with some residents expressing discomfort over the theological implications and timing of the broadcasts in areas still impacted by the tragic events of 2001.

Why it matters

The Adhan is seen by many as a declaration of faith and a call to submission, which some find troubling in neighborhoods that still carry the scars of the 9/11 attacks. The timing of the early morning broadcasts also raises concerns about the impact on residents' sleep and daily routines.

The details

Under the city's new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, the 5-times-daily Adhan broadcasts have been authorized to echo through the streets of New York. This expands on previous policies, allowing the calls to prayer to be heard from dawn to night. Residents in lower Manhattan, in particular, have expressed discomfort over the broadcasts, which they say serve as a constant reminder of the 9/11 attacks carried out in the name of the phrase 'Allahu Akbar' heard in the Adhan.

  • The Adhan broadcasts have been occurring since the start of Mayor Mamdani's term in January 2026.
  • The earliest Adhan broadcast is at 5 a.m.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The new mayor of New York City, who has authorized the expanded Adhan broadcasts throughout the city.

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What they’re saying

“The Adhan is not ambient background music. It is a declaration. The phrase 'Allahu Akbar' means 'God is greatest.' It is a theological claim. It is a call to submission.”

— Eli Shepherd, Writer (RedState)

“Now imagine living in lower Manhattan. Imagine hearing that broadcast before sunrise, rolling through concrete and glass, over a skyline where nearly 3,000 Americans were murdered in an attack carried out in the name of that same phrase. Context matters. Memory matters.”

— Eli Shepherd, Writer (RedState)

What’s next

Residents have expressed concerns to city officials about the Adhan broadcasts, and it remains to be seen if any policy changes will be made in response.

The takeaway

The expansion of Adhan broadcasts in New York City has reignited debates over the balance between religious freedom and the sensitivity of communities impacted by terrorism. As the city evolves, there are ongoing questions about how to navigate these complex issues while respecting all residents.