Authorities in the northern Nigerian state of Kano have arrested 25 individuals for violating the sacred fasting month of Ramadan. The Hisbah, Kano’s Islamic police, detained 20 Muslims for publicly eating and drinking, while five others were apprehended for selling food. The deputy commander of the Hisbah, Mujahid Aminudeen, confirmed these arrests, emphasizing that such operations would continue throughout the holy month.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is observed by Muslims worldwide as a period of fasting, reflection, and prayer. During this time, fasting from dawn until dusk is considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam, a fundamental practice for devout Muslims. Breaking the fast in public is regarded as disrespectful and is met with strict enforcement in Sharia-compliant states like Kano.
“It is heartbreaking that in such a holy month meant for fasting, adult Muslims would be seen eating and drinking publicly. We won’t condone that and that’s why we went out to make arrests,” stated Aminudeen. He reiterated that these enforcement actions do not target non-Muslims, who are not obligated to fast.
The 25 individuals arrested have been charged in a Sharia court and will face punishment according to Islamic law. Unlike last year, when those detained were released after promising to observe the fast, this year’s violators will be prosecuted. The Hisbah authorities also reported receiving tip-offs from members of the public, angered by those seen eating in daylight hours.
Additionally, the Hisbah has been cracking down on other behaviors deemed inappropriate under Sharia law. This includes arresting individuals for having “inappropriate haircuts,” wearing shorts above the knee, and tricycle drivers who transport mixed-gender passengers.
Sharia law was introduced alongside Nigeria’s secular legal system in 12 northern states with Muslim majorities over two decades ago. It applies strictly to Muslims but not to the Christian minorities living in those regions.
With Ramadan expected to end on March 30, the enforcement measures by Kano’s Hisbah police highlight the strict religious governance in northern Nigeria and the ongoing debate surrounding religious freedom and individual rights in the region.
