For the First Time Ever, Friday Adhaan Goes Live on Loudspeakers in Downtown Regina.
Friday, June 19, 2026. Regina, Saskatchewan.* This Friday marked a weekend like no other in downtown Regina. For the first time, Muslims living in the city experienced an overwhelming sense of anticipation and excitement. Something special was about to happen, and every Muslim family near the Regina City Jama Masjid could hardly contain their enthusiasm. As the city clock struck 1:00 pm, a familiar sound echoed from the mosque’s PA system: the first-ever adhaan (call to prayer) in the city center. Tears filled many eyes, and emotions overwhelmed both adults and children. It was a historic moment that would be remembered for generations.
The Special Moment:
The event had been in the works for months. The Muslim community of Regina worked tirelessly to make this day a reality. June 19, 2026, was the culmination of their efforts, achieving what many had thought impossible.
“We believe that this will help familiarize both the Muslim and non-Muslim communities with the Regina City Jama Masjid, as we are right in the heart of downtown Regina,” said an emotional Anisur Rahaman to the attending press representatives.
He also shared that, according to the permit issued by city authorities, the adhaan would be called every Friday before Jumu’ah (Friday prayers) and would last for 2 to 3 minutes each time. The initial permit, a temporary measure, is valid until the end of July and could be renewed annually based on its success.
“We believe in multicultural diversity, and we appreciate the Regina Police Service for granting us permission to test this call to prayer with the loudspeaker on the rooftop,” Rahaman added.
Plans are underway to establish a childcare center, an Islamic school, and a separate masjid to accommodate the city’s growing Muslim population.
Note: Saskatchewan’s Muslim population has been increasing significantly. In 2011, the province’s Muslim population was 10,040. According to StatsCan, this number grew to 25,455 by 2021, making up 2.3% of the total population, with most residing in Regina and Saskatoon.
But How About the Vitriol?
Sure! No Islamic occasion in the West is complete without that. The adhaan’s public broadcast seemed too much for some city residents, particularly certain mainstream English-language media outlets, which often amplify dissent and anti-Muslim sentiment. One publication featured a headline that read: “Mosque blasts Islamic ‘call to prayer’ for first time in Regina,” lamenting the significant event.
In an opinion piece criticizing the moment, Christopher Oldcorn of the Western Standard urged Regina residents to “call it what it is: a warning siren.”
“This was not a quiet, internal religious observance. This was a deliberate projection of faith into public space, using amplification technology designed for sending sound over long distances,” he stated. He continued with a warning: “If you think this stops at one mosque and one ‘test,’ it’s time to wake up. In 2020, cities across Canada, including Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver, granted temporary noise bylaw exemptions to mosques during Ramadan so they could broadcast the adhaan.”
Oldcorn’s sentiments highlight a widespread fear of a perceived ‘Muslim takeover’. Yet, on this auspicious occasion, we choose not to dwell on such negativity. On behalf of Muslim Network TV and GTA Muslims Today, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the City of Regina and all those who made this occasion possible. God bless!
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