VOICED: Coordinating calls to prayer in Cairo

The call to prayer in Cairo, a centuries-old tradition, is facing potential changes as the government plans to streamline it into a single broadcast from state radio. This move aims to coordinate timing and monitor mosque messages but faces opposition from clerical leaders and muezzins, who view it as a spiritual vocation. While some residents support the change to reduce noise, others fear the loss of tradition and jobs. The government hopes to implement the synchronized broadcasts by year-end, but for now, Cairo continues to resonate with diverse calls to prayer.

What is the primary purpose of the call to prayer in Cairo?

• To gather people for a community meeting

• To announce the time of day

• To remind people to connect with God

• To signal the start of a festival

What is the government's plan regarding the call to prayer?

• To make the call to prayer longer

• To eliminate the call to prayer entirely

• To synchronize the call into one broadcast

• To increase the number of mosques

Why do some citizens support the government's plan for a unified call to prayer?

• They believe it will enhance the tradition

• They think it will improve religious teachings

• They find the current system too noisy

• They want to reduce the number of mosques

What is a potential consequence for muezzins if the government's plan is implemented?

• They will receive a pay raise

• They will lose their jobs

• They will be relocated to other cities

• They will have to learn a new chant

What is one of the government's reasons for wanting to synchronize the call to prayer?

• To reduce the number of mosques

• To monitor the messages spread by mosques

• To promote tourism in Cairo

• To modernize the city's infrastructure