Islamic police in Kano State, Nigeria, arrest Muslims for eating or selling food in public during Ramadan.
Hisbah, the Islamic police force in Nigeria’s northern state of Kano, has arrested numerous Muslims for eating, drinking, or selling food in public as the holy month of Ramadan began.
Mujahid Aminudeen, deputy commander of Hisbah, acknowledged to the BBC that 20 people were imprisoned for not fasting, while five others were arrested for selling food during the day.
He stressed that enforcement measures would continue during Ramadan, which began on Saturday.
We are not concerned with non-Muslims.
Aminudeen clarified, emphasizing that the arrests are especially targeting Muslims who violate fasting restrictions.
He expressed disappointment at the public’s disdain for Ramadan, noting,
It’s sad to witness adult Muslims eating and drinking in public during a holy month designated for fasting. We will not tolerate that, which is why we made these arrests.
The 25 captives have been charged in a Sharia court and will be punished. Aminudeen also revealed that Hisbah frequently receives tip-offs from concerned persons who report public violations.
We receive calls from people furious after witnessing others eating in public, and we respond quickly to make arrests.
In addition to fasting breaches, Hisbah officials arrested people for “inappropriate haircuts,” wearing shorts above the knee, and driving tricycles with both male and female passengers.
Last year’s offenders were released after agreeing to fast, but this year’s prisoners will face legal proceedings.
Sharia law, which exists alongside secular law in 12 northern Nigerian states, only applies to Muslims in certain areas.
It was enacted almost two decades ago and governs many elements of personal and public behaviour.
Ramadan
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is vital to Muslims worldwide. It is claimed that Prophet Muhammad received the first verses of the Quran during this month.
Fasting from dawn to sunset is one of Islam’s Five Pillars, and it is required of all adult Muslims, except those who are unwell, pregnant, travelling, or menstruating.