Regina, MINA – The mosque/">Jamia Mosque in downtown Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, has reported receiving threats after it began broadcasting the adhan (call to prayer) from loudspeakers on its rooftop.
Masjid director M. Anisur Rahaman stated that several threatening messages emerged due to misunderstandings about the frequency and location of the adhan. Many residents reportedly assumed the call would be broadcast five times a day, when in fact it is only performed once a week, on Fridays before the congregational prayer.
The Regina Police Service has issued a sound amplification permit to the mosque, valid until July 10, 2026. Police stated that threats will be taken seriously and investigated under Canada’s recently strengthened hate crime laws.
As a precautionary measure, increased police presence will be visible around Muslim places of worship on upcoming Fridays.
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Rahaman urged the public to step forward and learn more about the tradition of the adhan, and to open themselves to dialogue with those who have questions.
“We are more than willing to discuss with them, to tell them what the call to prayer really is. We also want to talk and gain experience about other religions, what they think and how we can work together,” he said.
He emphasized that the mosque is open to anyone who wants to ask questions, including non-Muslims, and rejected the idea that the adhan should not be broadcast.
“Without dialogue, I don’t see any solution. We are not here to argue with anyone. We are here to share knowledge,” he added.
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Amin Asfari, Chair of Police Studies at the Saskatchewan Law Foundation at the University of Regina, called the threats against the mosque “unacceptable.” However, he considered the decision to broadcast the adhan without sufficient outreach to the broader community a mistake.
According to him, religious practices that suddenly become more visible without adequate dialogue can reinforce existing prejudices.
“When people don’t know who you are, haven’t seen you engaged in the community, haven’t seen you contributing to solutions to social problems, I think that’s problematic,” he said.
He also warned that broadcasting the adhan could exacerbate Islamophobic discourse on social media and make Muslim children feel more isolated and marginalized.
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Masjid director Rahaman said the first Friday adhan was a positive moment for the mosque, and he hopes it can continue if the permit review process goes smoothly.
“We are not here to disturb anyone. We are here to meet and greet and share knowledge,” he concluded.[]
Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)
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