European nation set to ban Islamic call to prayer: 'Shouldn't sound like Islamabad'

Denmark is set to launch a fresh bid to ban the Islamic call to prayer from its streets, with the country’s business minister warning that parts of the nation risk sounding like “a suburb of Islamabad”. Morten Bodskov, a senior Social Democrat, announced the Government would reopen an investigation into outlawing the Adhan nationwide.

The traditional Muslim summons to prayer, broadcast five times daily from mosques, has no place in Denmark, he said. Mr Bodskov told news agency Ritzau: “The call to prayer should not be heard over Danish rooftops. It has no place in Denmark, and you shouldn’t be in any doubt whether you’ve ended up in a suburb of Islamabad when you walk around Denmark.”

The move marks the third attempt by a Danish minister to impose a legal ban, following failed efforts in 2020 and 2025. It reflects the country’s uncompromising stance on immigration and integration under Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s government.

Mr Bodskov cited creeping “Islamisation” as a growing concern, arguing the practice occupies too much public space in a secular society. Parts of Denmark already curb the broadcasts.

Strict noise rules in Copenhagen effectively silence loudspeakers on minarets, while the Grand Mosque of Copenhagen voluntarily refrains from outdoor calls under a local agreement.

Officials will now examine whether a full nationwide prohibition can be introduced without breaching constitutional protections for religious freedom.

Denmark’s constitution safeguards public worship, but existing laws already restrict anti-democratic preaching and support for banned groups. Any ban is expected to face immediate legal challenges from Muslim organisations, The Mail reported.

Denmark, with a population of around six million, is home to an estimated 270,000 Muslims and roughly 100 mosques. The country has pursued some of Europe’s toughest immigration policies. During the 2015 migrant crisis, it accepted far fewer asylum seekers than its neighbours.

Controversial “ghetto” laws empower authorities to relocate residents from areas with high migrant populations, while asylum seekers can be forced to hand over valuables to offset housing costs.

The proposal comes amid broader European debates over balancing religious rights with community cohesion. Britain and Germany impose volume and timing restrictions on mosque broadcasts to protect residents from disturbance.

Critics are likely to condemn the plan as discriminatory, but supporters argue it defends Danish cultural identity against rapid demographic change. Mr Bodskov framed the issue as one of national character: public life should sound and feel Danish, not foreign.

The investigation will test the limits of religious accommodation in a country that has repeatedly tightened rules on integration.

Previous attempts faltered over legal hurdles, but with Ms Frederiksen’s government maintaining strong public backing for strict policies, ministers appear determined to push forward.

Whether the ban ultimately succeeds will depend on the legal review. For now, Denmark has signalled it will not allow the Adhan to become part of the national soundscape. The rooftops, it seems, will remain quiet.