Dutch City Adopts App-Based Call to Prayer for New Mosque, Balancing Religious and Community Needs

Concretely, there will no longer be a call from the muezzin in this city. In order for the mosque project to be accepted by the local authorities, it was agreed to design and launch an application that will be available on the main stores (iOS and Android), to notify the faithful of the call to prayer.

This issue had been raised at the Municipal Council by some residents who "were concerned about the possible inconveniences of the call to prayer". Under Dutch law, the Mayor did not have the right to ban this call anyway, but the solution was provided by the Muslims of the city themselves, in their desire to appease tensions. The local religious association has therefore proposed to create an application, also because "many believers do not live near the future mosque".

In addition, the issue of parking spaces, which number 25, for the future mosque, was discussed. About thirty additional spaces are also planned for the faithful in the vicinity. The mosque expects a maximum attendance of 200 people, on peak days, such as Fridays and holidays.

From June 21 next, the project plan will be accessible to residents wishing to obtain information on the construction of the mosque.