13.08.2025 02:36
The application to broadcast the call to prayer from loudspeakers for Friday prayers at Lakemba, Australia's largest mosque, has stirred controversy in the country. In light of the local community's strong reactions, it has been reported that the application will be reconsidered. Representatives of the Lebanese Muslim Association stated, "Church bells ring without issue, but the call to prayer is perceived as a threat."
New plans regarding the Lakemba Mosque located in Sydney, Australia, have brought the local community and the mosque congregation face to face.
COUNCIL OPPOSED
The Lebanese Muslim Association applied to install four speakers at the mosque to broadcast the call to prayer and prayer services on Fridays. The Canterbury City Council opposed this proposal, which costs 14,744 dollars (600,000 TL).
"IT MAY NEGATIVELY AFFECT THE PEACE OF NEARBY RESIDENTS"
The council, which recommended rejecting the local planning committee, cited "inconsistencies in the noise report, exceeding the building height limit, the potential negative impact on the value of surrounding properties, and religious sensitivities" as reasons. The municipality's report emphasized that the project to add speakers to the mosque "could negatively affect the peace and quality of life of nearby residents in the long term." It was learned that 328 out of 329 people surveyed opposed the project. The local planning committee has not yet announced its decision.
RESPONSE FROM THE ASSOCIATION: CHURCH BELLS RINGING, BUT
Representatives of the Lebanese Muslim Association stated that they plan to revise the project by taking the feedback into account. However, the association's secretary, George Kheir, told the Sydney Morning Herald, "The bells of St. Mary Cathedral are not a problem, but the call to prayer is perceived as a threat. The speaker will only be used during Friday prayers; we will not disturb people at night like a nightclub." Those opposing the speaker said, "Other churches in the neighborhood do not broadcast at such high volumes. Why should special permission be granted to the mosque?" On the other hand, one person stated that the important thing is to keep the sound at reasonable levels.