Subtitle: The Adhan (Call to Prayer) of the Muslims is a call to Christians to share the Gospel.

Excerpt: The article discusses the Islamic call to prayer, the Adhan, being broadcast in New York City. It argues that Christians should recognize the Adhan as a declaration of Islamic belief and respond with clarity, kindness, and the truth of our Christ-centered faith.

Author: Jeff Hilles

Today mosques in New York City still play the Adhan, or Islamic call to prayer, at certain times without needing a special permit. The policy, which started in August 2023, lets people use amplifiers on Fridays from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM and at sunset during Ramadan. These broadcasts have to follow the city’s noise rules and not go over a certain number of decibels. Local leaders and mosque leaders work together to make sure this happens.
New York City has more than 285 mosques and about 450,000 Muslims living there. The amplified call may be part of approved community events during Ramadan, like Taraweeh prayers in Times Square, which are big public events.

At first glance, this may seem like just another sign that America has always been committed to freedom of religion. And in a way, it is. The First Amendment protects the free practice of religion, which means that churches can ring bells, preach in public, broadcast sermons, and spread the gospel without the government getting involved.
But for Christians, this is more than just a civic issue. It is an intrusion from a false religion.

What the Adhan Says

The Adhan is not a sound that is neutral. It is a declaration of Islamic belief. It says: “Allah is stronger… I say that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is his messenger.”

Muslims do not believe in the Trinity or that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. The Qur’an clearly says that Christ is not the son of God and that He was not crucified for the sins of mankind.

Yet the Bible is very clear:

The Word was with God from the beginning, and the Word was God. — John 1:1

"The Word became flesh and dwelled among us." — John 1:14

"I am one with the Father." — John 10:30

"Whoever does not believe in the Son does not have the Father." — 1 John 2:23

The apostle John says that saying that Jesus isn’t God is heretical:

"Every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God." This is the spirit of the enemy of Christ. — 1 John 4:3

That is not inflammatory speech; it is Biblical truth.

The Adhan vs. the Bible

The Adhan (call to prayer) goes against the heart of the gospel: that Jesus Christ is fully God, fully man, died for our sins, and rose again (1 Corinthians 15:3–4).

Jesus never said He was one of many paths; He said He was the ONLY path…

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. - John 14:6

Peter and the rest of the disciples took the teachings of Christ and spread them throughout the known world…

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” - Acts 4:12

Christian love should never disregard our core doctrine. We can uphold the civil right to religious expression but need to clarify that Islam and Christianity convey fundamentally distinct gospel messages, one false and one true.

Paul said, "If we or an angel from heaven preach to you a gospel that is different from the one we preached to you, let him be cursed." — Galatians 1:8

These differences are not insignificant. They are about who God is, who Christ is, and the path to Heaven and eternal life with God.

What Should Biblical Christians Do?

With Clarity

We shouldn’t ignore the truth to make it seem like we’re open-minded. Two claims that are opposite of each other can’t both be true. Either Jesus is the eternal Son of God or He isn’t.
Christians should have a good enough understanding of Islamic teachings to be able to explain clearly why it is different from Biblical Christianity. It’s not about being mean; it’s about being faithful.

"Make Christ the Lord of your heart, and be ready to tell anyone who asks you why you have hope." — 1 Peter 3:15

In a culture where people have different beliefs, apologetics is not an option; it is a must.

With kindness

Your Muslim neighbor who prays every day is not your enemy. The Bible says,

"We do not fight against flesh and blood, but against evil spiritual forces." — Ephesians 6:12

Like everyone else, Muslims are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). They are not enemies; they are people who need God’s grace to save them. Paul talked about his Jewish relatives who didn’t believe in Jesus. He said,

"My heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved." — Romans 10:1

That is how we should stand.

With faith in God’s power

Christians might not like that the Muslim call to prayer is being broadcast in their city. But Christ is not in any danger, and neither is Biblical Christianity.

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. - Romans 8:37

Jesus said, "I have been given all power in heaven and on earth." — Matthew 28:1

The ringing of the Adhan in New York City does not mean that Christ is losing. It shows that there are those who need a Savior and the true Lord in their lives. It is a reminder for us to build relationships and share the gospel with a lost and dying world while there is still time.

A Call to Stay Faithful

Christians shouldn’t be scared or mad; they should see this as a call.

Are we telling people about the gospel as loudly as they tell people about their beliefs?

Are we giving our kids enough information to understand why only Jesus can save them?

Are we being kind and helpful to our Muslim neighbors?

"Go, then, and make disciples of all nations." The Great Commission has not changed. — Matthew 28:19

New York City is one of the most important places in the world for missions because it is so diverse with people from all over the world. The nations have come to our door.
Just because the Adhan is there, the church shouldn’t be quiet. It should wake it up.

Final Thoughts

The Islamic call to prayer in New York City reminds people of their spiritual duty as ambassadors for Christ (Corinthians 5:20). It reminds us that we live in a place where people of all faiths can live together. It also reminds us that not all claims of truth are true.

Kindness is part of Christian love. For a Christian to be confident in our faith, hope, trust, and beliefs, we need to be willing and able to proclaim our love for Christ.
We don’t get mad.
We don’t give up when we are persecuted or rejected.
We respond with the Good News:

"I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes." — Romans 1:16