Jacinda Ardern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, has announced that the Muslim call to prayer will be broadcast across New Zealand this Friday on national television and radio channels, following a two minute silence to mark the Christchurch shooting.

Speaking at a press conference in Christchurch on Wednesday afternoon, Ms Ardern said:

“I know from many there is a desire to show support to the Muslim community as they return to mosques, particularly on Friday.

“There is also a desire amongst New Zealanders to mark the week that has passed since the terrorist attack.

“To acknowledge this, there will be a two-minute silence on Friday. We will also broadcast nationally via TVNZ and RadioNZ the Call to Prayer.”

The Adhan or call to prayer is a statement of Islamic faith which is broadcast from the minarets of larger mosques, or the door of smaller mosques, to gather in faithful Muslims.

The words of the Adhan are as follows:

Allahu Akbar
God is Great
(said four times)
Ashhadu an la ilaha illa Allah
I bear witness that there is no god except the One God.
(said two times)
Ashadu anna Muhammadan Rasool Allah
I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of God.
(said two times)
Hayya ‘ala-s-Salah
Hurry to the prayer (Rise up for prayer)
(said two times)
Hayya ‘ala-l-Falah
Hurry to success (Rise up for Salvation)
(said two times)
Allahu Akbar
God is Great
(said two times)
La ilaha illa Allah
There is no god except the One God

According to some reports, the Adhan will also be broadcast throughout the New Zealand Parliament and government buildings.