Call to prayer played by mosques for the first time in Birmingham

The call to prayer has been heard for the first time in public in Birmingham.

At 1.30pm today (May 22) the prayer was played through external speakers by mosques to mark the last Friday of Ramadan.

Birmingham City Council agreed to the request from mosques after hearing how “vital prayers can be and the reassurance they provide in uncertain and unsettling times” and in thanks of how the community has pulled together through the Covid-19 pandemic.

As with all faith institutions, the mosques remain closed to worshipers and the prayers were broadcasted to worshippers at home via social media.

The prayer was recited at Green Lane Mosque in Small Heath.

Mohammed Saeed, Chair of Trustees commented: “This is the first time that something like this has been done across Birmingham.

“The call to prayer has a special place in the hearts of Muslims and is a lovely gesture by the Council to allow this beautiful act to be performed aloud on Friday and Eid.”

It will be played again for two minutes on the day of Eid itself for Dhur Prayers (afternoon prayers) which could fall on Saturday or Sunday.

The prayer was also said from the balcony of the Central Jamia Mosque Ghamkol Sharif in Small Heath.

John Cotton, Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion, Community Safety and Equalities, and the Lord Mayor Mohammed Azim said in a joint letter: “I also understand how vital prayers can be and the reassurance they provide in uncertain and unsettling times, such as we find ourselves in now, as well as the importance of religious festivals –including Ramadan – to our faith communities.

“That’s why this Ramadan, the council has agreed to support the request from some city mosques to have the call to prayer played through external speakers for two minutes on the last Friday of Ramadan (22 May), which itself has significance, and then for two minutes on Eid day for Dhu Prayers (afternoon prayers).”