In a significant move reflecting Australia’s evolving multicultural landscape, the Masjid Ali Bin Abi Talib, commonly known as the Lakemba Mosque, has submitted a formal proposal to the Canterbury-Bankstown Council. The mosque seeks permission to install four external loudspeakers on its minaret to broadcast the Islamic call to prayer, or adhan, every Friday before the midday Jummah prayer. If approved, this initiative would mark the first regular public broadcasting of the adhan in Sydney, symbolizing a notable step toward cultural and religious inclusion in the region.
Proposal Details and Community Context
The Lakemba Mosque, situated in Sydney’s western suburbs, serves a community where approximately 61.2% of residents identified as Muslim in the 2021 census. The proposal outlines plans for the adhan to be broadcast for about five to fifteen minutes every Friday, aligning with the traditional time for congregational prayers in Islam. The mosque’s leadership emphasizes that the adhan is akin to the ringing of church bells, serving as a call to the faithful and fostering a sense of unity and shared faith within the community.
Historical Precedents and Comparisons
Public broadcasting of the adhan is a common practice in many Muslim-majority countries and has been adopted in various cities worldwide, including London, New York City, Toronto, and Stockholm. In these cities, accommodations have been made to allow the call to prayer to be heard publicly, reflecting an acknowledgment of religious diversity and the importance of inclusive practices. The Lakemba Mosque’s proposal draws parallels between the adhan and Christian church bells, noting that several churches in Sydney’s central business district, such as the historic St Mary’s Cathedral, regularly ring bells, with some sessions lasting up to an hour.
Technical Considerations and Compliance
An independent acoustic assessment conducted for the mosque indicates that the proposed call to prayer would comply with local noise limits—81 decibels in commercial zones and 68 decibels in residential areas. The assessment assures that the adhan’s limited duration and proposed sound control measures will ensure adherence to local standards, which prohibit excessively loud or disruptive noise.
Community Reactions and Broader Implications
The proposal has garnered attention and sparked discussions within the broader community. Supporters view it as a step toward greater recognition and respect for Australia’s diverse faith communities, enhancing the multicultural fabric of the nation. They argue that just as church bells are an accepted part of the auditory landscape, the adhan should similarly be accommodated. Conversely, some community members have expressed concerns about potential noise disturbances and the implications of religious sounds in public spaces. These perspectives highlight the delicate balance between accommodating religious practices and maintaining communal harmony.
Political and Social Context
The proposal comes at a time when issues of religious expression and multicultural integration are prominent in public discourse. Recent events, such as the cancellation of Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke’s address at a Muslim prayer event in Lakemba due to safety concerns, underscore the complexities surrounding these topics. Additionally, campaigns like The Muslim Vote are actively engaging in political processes to advocate for greater representation and address community concerns, reflecting the dynamic interplay between cultural identity and political engagement.
Conclusion
The Lakemba Mosque’s initiative to broadcast the adhan publicly represents a significant moment in Australia’s journey toward embracing its multicultural identity. The proposal reflects an effort to balance religious expression with community considerations, adhering to regulatory standards while fostering inclusivity. As the Canterbury-Bankstown Council deliberates on this application, the outcome will likely serve as a precedent for how multicultural values are practically implemented in public spaces, influencing future discussions on religious practices and community integration in Australia.
