A request by Muslims to allow mosques to use loudspeakers for the call to prayer has prompted a backlash among some of their mostly Christian neighbors.
They are circulating a petition opposing Al-Islah Islamic Center's request to change the city noise ordinance. The Muslim call to prayer occurs five times a day between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.
“When you call to prayer, you are proselytizing, and as a citizen of the United States, I don't want to hear it,” Bob Golen, 68, said at a City Council hearing Tuesday.
Caroline Zarski, 81, agreed. “It is not my God. My God is Jesus Christ. I don't want this noise invading my home at 10 p.m.,” she said.
Still, Council President Karen Majewski said the proposed amendment is likely to pass next week.
Muslim speakers said they often hear church bells as early as 6 a.m. They said the call to prayer would be less noisy.
“It's a low-pitched voice. It's not going to wake up anybody,” said Abdul Algazali, a Hamtramck businessman.