Israel moves to regulate noise levels of Muslim call to prayer

Israel’s Internal Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has announced a policy to regulate the volume of the Muslim call to prayer, or adhan, broadcast from mosque loudspeakers. The directive, shared with police, calls for confiscating sound systems and issuing fines when noise levels exceed legal limits.

“The law allows for the possibility of confiscating sound systems. This is an effective tool for deterrence,” Ben-Gvir stated, emphasizing that the policy seeks to balance the right to worship with residents’ quality of life. “In Western countries, and even in Arab countries, noise levels are regulated. Only in Israel is there neglect.”

The adhan, traditionally called by a muezzin five times daily, has been amplified by loudspeakers in modern times. Among the prayer times, the pre-dawn adhan is the most contentious, often occurring around 4:00 a.m. during summer. Critics argue that the noise disrupts sleep for non-Muslims and even Muslims who do not attend the dawn prayer.

Residents of mixed cities, home to both Jewish and Arab populations, have expressed support for the policy. Ariella Sabo of Lod described her experience: “Every morning, it wakes me up despite sleeping with the window closed. It’s unbearable at 4:40 a.m. Many Muslims I work with tell me it bothers them too, but they are afraid to complain.”

Despite opposition from Arab-Israeli Knesset members, the Palestinian Authority, and Hamas, Ben-Gvir defended the move, citing examples from Saudi Arabia and Europe, where similar regulations exist. In 2021, Saudi Arabia’s Islamic Affairs Ministry limited mosque loudspeaker volumes to one-third of their maximum level following citizen complaints.

Critics of Ben-Gvir’s policy argue that it targets religious freedom, but Mordechai Kedar, a researcher at the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies, pointed out that loudspeakers are a modern invention not required by Islamic tradition. Kedar proposed alternatives like smartphone notifications for those observing the prayer, minimizing disruption for others.

The debate underscores broader tensions in Israeli society regarding shared spaces in mixed communities. As Israel enforces this policy, it joins other countries in balancing cultural practices with modern urban living standards.

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