Canada: Muslim Call to Prayer Echoes Across Downtown Regina, Saskatchewan’s Capital

Photo: Syed Sajidul Islam, Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 | Jihad Watch

The Regina City Jamia Masjid held its first live outdoor Islamic call to prayer (Adhan) on Friday afternoon, marking a significant moment for the mosque and the city’s growing Muslim community.

The Adhan was broadcast from the mosque’s location in the former Canadian Cancer Society building, situated across from Regina City Hall. Mosque representatives said the initiative is intended to increase awareness of the Regina City Jamia Masjid among both Muslim and non-Muslim residents and strengthen its presence in the heart of downtown Regina.

According to mosque officials, the outdoor call to prayer will be heard for approximately two to three minutes each Friday before congregational services. The mosque currently holds a permit allowing the broadcasts through the end of July, followed by a permit valid until the end of the year, subject to annual renewal.

The mosque also announced plans to develop additional community facilities, including a childcare centre and an Islamic school.

Officials expressed appreciation to the Regina Police Service for permitting a trial period of loudspeaker use from the rooftop, allowing the community to assess public response before longer-term authorization is granted.

The initiative comes amid significant growth in Saskatchewan’s Muslim population. According to Statistics Canada, the number of Muslims in the province increased from 10,040 in 2011 to 25,455 in 2021, representing 2.3% of Saskatchewan’s population, with the largest concentration residing in Regina.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)