Community members weigh in on Regina mosque’s survey on call to prayer broadcast

A short survey is giving Regina residents a chance to weigh in on a mosque’s public call to prayer after sparking online debate. Jacob Carr reports.

The Regina City Jamia Masjid welcomed any and all Regina residents to take part in their survey regarding their publicly broadcast call to prayer, which they first conducted last month.

“We thought that our neighbors are the first priority. So, they are the one to decide whether or not we will be able to continue the call to prayer. So, that is why we are having an open house, so they can decide what they want,” said Regina City Jamia Masjid Director M Anisur Rahaman.

Dozens on Friday morning came to participate in the survey and put their thoughts down on paper.

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Last month’s broadcast sparked some online backlash and negative comments.

That struck a chord with those like Donna Nelson, who were there to show support for the mosque.

“I think we need to speak up and show that there are people that do support multiple faiths and that we’re in support of our neighbours and stuff. And these people are part of Canada,” she said.

Others like Todd Jaworksi told CTV News that the mosque went through the proper channels and should therefore be able to exercise their right to religious freedom.

“They went through the process of having the noise bylaw so they could do their call to prayer. So, they’re not doing anything wrong. So good to them.”

• Regina mosque pausing use of speakers to amplify call to prayer in city’s downtown

Ward 1 coun. Dan Rashovich was on hand...saying he has heard concerns from those within his ward about the public broadcast.

“I believe in freedom of religion. I believe people should be able to practice whatever they want. But I think keep it within your church, keep it within your mosque, keep it within the walls of your church.”

Another resident, Gail Becker, mirrored Rashovich’s thoughts.

She is concerned the call to prayer might create a domino effect.

“I feel this is very precedent setting. It’s one mosque asking for one time. But we have more than one mosque in the city. The practice is five times in Islamic countries.”

Residents were able to take the survey from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, before the surveys were collected and emailed to the Regina Police Service.

The results and discussion with police will determine whether or not the mosque continues the call to prayer broadcast in the future.