Denmark is planning to ban the Islamic call to prayer nationwide, with Immigration Minister Morten Bødskov stating that parts of the country are at risk of resembling "a suburb of Islamabad."
Bødskov, a Social Democrat, announced that the government would reopen an investigation into the legality of outlawing the Adhan, the Muslim call to prayer, arguing that its increasing presence in public spaces represents "creeping Islamisation."
"The call to prayer should not be heard over Danish rooftops," Bødskov told Danish news agency Ritzau. "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 Adhan is traditionally broadcast five times daily via loudspeakers, often mounted on minarets, to summon worshippers to mosques. Bødskov's proposal marks the third attempt by a Danish immigration minister to legally prohibit the practice, with previous efforts made in 2020 and 2025.
Existing Restrictions
Some areas in Denmark already have restrictions on public calls to prayer. In Copenhagen, local noise regulations effectively prevent mosques from broadcasting the Adhan through loudspeakers. The forthcoming investigation will assess whether a nationwide ban can be implemented while respecting Denmark's constitutional protections for religious freedom.
Denmark's constitution upholds the right to public worship, though restrictions are in place concerning anti-democratic preaching and support for banned organizations. The country is home to approximately 270,000 Muslims out of a total population of about six million, with an estimated 100 mosques. The Grand Mosque of Copenhagen currently does not broadcast an outdoor call to prayer due to an agreement with local authorities.
Broader Immigration Context
This potential ban comes amid Denmark's implementation of stringent immigration policies under Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. These policies include controversial "ghetto" laws that allow authorities to relocate migrants from neighborhoods with high concentrations of foreign residents. Asylum seekers may also be required to surrender valuables to help cover their accommodation costs. During the 2015 migrant crisis, Denmark accepted fewer asylum seekers compared to several neighboring European nations.
Similar measures exist in other European countries. Britain and Germany, for example, have regulations that limit the timing and volume of calls to prayer from mosques to minimize disruption to nearby residents. Any move to prohibit the call to prayer in Denmark is expected to face legal challenges.