03/06/2026
A ban on a Call to Prayer is a violation of religious Freedom, Culture and Spiritual diversity
It is with deep concern that the Embassy has observed the resurfacing of proposals aimed at restricting or banning the Adhan (Islamic Call to Prayer) by Israel’s far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, and his allies. The proposed legislation targets Palestinian presence its scared rights and constitutes a direct challenge to universal human values, ethical principles, divine teachings, and international norms that uphold freedom of religion and belief as fundamental human rights.
The Adhan is a Voice of Faith, Freedom, and Human Dignity that reminds us of faith in One God and that he is the greatest. it is therefore, not merely a ritual exclusive to Muslims rather it is an expression of a worldview that affirms human dignity, freedom, moral responsibility, and the pursuit of peace and righteousness.
Historically, Palestine Similar to Zambia embodied these same values. As the land of divine revelations and a cradle of civilizations, it was home to Muslims, Christians, and others who lived together within a shared social, cultural, and historical fabric. Zambia continues to stand as a model of mutual respect and religious harmony among people of different faiths and beliefs. Zambia continues to embrace religious diversity as a source of cultural enrichment and human progress, recognizing that true human dignity begins with respecting every person's right to believe, worship, and live according to their conscience in freedom and peace.
Against this backdrop, attempts to restrict or criminalize the Adhan cannot be viewed merely as administrative or regulatory measures. Rather, they should be viewed as infringements against fundamental human rights and should be considered as a troubling disregard for principles enshrined in both divine teachings and international legal standards which promote human dignity, religious freedom, and respect for cultural and spiritual diversity