By Caroline Westbrook
Channel 4 has revealed that it will broadcast the Muslim call to prayer every morning during the forthcoming month of Ramadan.
It will be the first time in British TV history that the call – known as the adhan – has been shown, with broadcasts kicking off when the festival begins on July 9 at 3am.
The adhan, delivered by muezzin Hassen Razool, will be featured on Channel 4 at the same time as it is played in mosques around London – as well as being shown online.
The channel’s head of factual programming Ralph Lee described the broadcast as a ‘nationwide tannoy system’ for Britain’s 2.8m Muslim population – who mark the festival with a month of fasting between sunrise and sunset.
Lee also defended the decision to feature the adhan, saying it had been almost invisible on mainstream TV in the past.
‘It’s easy for non-Muslims to see Islam through a superficial prism of what is forbidden, and Ramadan through the physical hardship of fasting and control,’ he wrote in the Radio Times.
‘For Muslims, however, Ramadan provides great physical and spiritual gains.
‘It’s a time of reformation and reflection, whether that’s developing a greater awareness of the suffering of others, feeling a stronger affinity with their Muslim brothers and sisters around the world, or resolving to change the way they live their lives for the greater good.’
Lee added that Channel 4 was hopeful the coverage would provide their viewers with a greater awareness of Ramadan.
‘The calls to prayer prompt Muslims to carry out quiet moments of worship,’ he said, ‘but hopefully they’ll also make other viewers sit up and notice that this event is taking place.
‘No doubt Channel 4 will be criticised for focusing attention on a “minority” religion but that’s what we’re here to do – provide space for the alternative and a voice to the under-represented.’
As well as the adhan Channel 4 will screen a series of shows about Ramadan, including a documentary featuring former rugby player Rashid Khan showing how Muslims in Britain prepare for the holy month.
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