UMVA has learned that a historic moment took place in the heart of Regina, as the city's Muslim community came together to broadcast its first live outdoor call to prayer, marking a significant milestone in the city's cultural landscape.
The Adhan, or Islamic call to prayer, resonated through the streets of downtown Regina, emanating from the former Canadian Cancer Society building, directly across from city hall, and was met with excitement and anticipation by the community. This momentous occasion was seen as an opportunity to introduce the Regina City Jamia Masjid to both Muslim and non-Muslim communities, fostering greater understanding and familiarity.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the call to prayer will be a regular occurrence, lasting between two to three minutes, every Friday before services at the mosque, with a permit in place until the end of July, and a subsequent permit to be renewed annually. This development is part of a larger effort to establish a stronger Muslim presence in the city, with plans for a childcare centre, Islamic school, and masjid already underway.
UMVA has gathered that the Muslim population in Saskatchewan has been growing exponentially, with numbers skyrocketing from 10,040 in 2011 to 25,455 by 2021, accounting for 2.3% of the population, with the majority residing in Regina and Saskatoon. This rapid growth has been recognized by community leaders, who are working to promote multicultural diversity and inclusivity, as evidenced by the permission granted by the Regina Police Service to test the call to prayer with a loudspeaker on the rooftop.
The success of this initiative has been attributed to the collaborative efforts of the Muslim community and local authorities, who are striving to create a more harmonious and diverse city. As the Muslim population continues to grow, it is likely that we will see more developments like this, promoting greater understanding and acceptance between different cultural and religious groups.
