AZAN IN MOSQUES BE HEARD AGAIN

Is an Unbreakable Taboo Started to Break in Europe?

The question of how the azan should take place in the public domain is one of the most crucial debates regarding the recognition and representation of Islam in many countries throughout Europe. In this sense, the identification and spiritual aspect of the azan, other than its function as a calling to prayer for Muslims, is perceived as a signal of Islamisation, as it is often claimed, and sometimes encounters opposition in these countries. However, despite all this negative mood, the sorrowful temples of European countries, where collective prayers have been suspended for a while due to the coronavirus epidemic in recent times; silent minarets, in these days when we are struggling with the epidemic, grant peace and tranquillity to the society with the shouts of "hayye-alel-felah" (let’s go to salvation).

The coronavirus outbreak, which has become a global disaster worldwide without favouring any race, religion, nation or community, reminds us once again how fragile life is while proving that prejudices of ages and taboos that cannot be overcome will not be eternal. Even though the local people have been sceptical about these sounds emanating from mosques, which have not been able to find representation in Europe's monopolistic cities and are perceived as foreign, they have recently begun to be perceived as an example of social solidarity and have created hope for the formation of the desired atmosphere of tolerance between communities that do not know each other.

In Grace and Burden

The azan, the symbol and anthem of Islam, proves that religious characters are not an element of conflict; on the contrary, they are a sign of mutual tolerance and a culture of coexistence with their function of bringing society together in both mercy and hardship. The azan, which is a unifying call in peace, tranquillity and health as well as in difficult times, and a safe harbour to take refuge in "Felah", reveals the universal message of Islam, which aims to make peace and security ruling on earth, most succinctly.

The azan sounds echoing in European cities in the shadow of the coronavirus epidemic that has recently gripped the world are a source of consolation for European Muslims and an expression of appreciation for the admirable spirit of solidarity they have shown in the struggle against the outbreak. European Muslims have been donating the masks they have made by hand in their homes to health institutions, lending a friendly hand to those in need with the donations they have collected, and working hard within the framework of the neighbourhood law to meet the basic needs of those who spend the quarantine periods in their homes, prove once again that they are an essential element of the society they live in. Within the framework of this spirit of solidarity, the azan contains the meaning of social reconciliation, a covenant. Because in this reconciliation, peace, security, freedom from fear, peace of mind and tolerance are expressed in times of prosperity and hardship.