‘We Don’t Want Denmark to Feel Like Suburb of Islamabad’: Minister Backs Azaan Ban

26th June 2026 at 1:08 PM

1 minute read

Copenhagen : Denmark is once again considering a nationwide ban on the Islamic call to prayer, known as the azaan. The move comes because of growing concerns among some politicians about the “Islamisation” of the country, according to a report by The Daily Mail. The proposal was announced by Denmark’s immigration minister, Morten Bodskov.

Muslims make up about 5% of Denmark’s population, making them the country’s largest minority group. Bodskov said the Islamic call to prayer should not be heard across Danish neighbourhoods. His comments come as Denmark continues to follow some of Europe’s toughest immigration policies under Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

Denmark passed a law banning the Islamic full-face veil in public places. The government has also told educational institutions to remove prayer rooms. Bodskov said such religious practices do not belong in Denmark. He added that people should never feel as if they are walking through “a suburb of Islamabad” while in Denmark.

However, neither proposal reached Parliament for discussion. Even now, some parts of Denmark already have restrictions on the public call to prayer. In Copenhagen, strict noise rules stop mosques from broadcasting the azaan through loudspeakers. The Grand Mosque of Copenhagen does not play the call to prayer outdoors.

Denmark’s Constitution protects the right to practise religion in public. Because of this, a complete ban on the azaan could raise questions about religious freedom. Bodskov said the government will first study whether such a ban can be introduced without breaking constitutional protections for religious freedom.

Islamic practices such as the azaan and the wearing of the hijab have come under greater scrutiny. In Denmark, debates about Islam and immigration have become more divisive over the past few years. In 2023, anti-Islam activists burned and damaged copies of the Quran, the holy book of Islam. The incidents led to international criticism.