Nigerian Islamic police arrest Muslims for public eating during Ramadan

Authorities in Kano, a predominantly Muslim state in northern Nigeria, have arrested several individuals for publicly eating and selling food at the start of Ramadan, when Muslims are required to fast from dawn until dusk. The arrests were carried out by Hisbah, the state’s Islamic police, which enforces Sharia law alongside Nigeria’s secular legal system.

According to Mujahid Aminudeen, the deputy commander of Hisbah, 20 people were detained for eating in public, while five others were arrested for selling food. He confirmed that the enforcement drive would continue throughout the holy month, which began on Saturday. However, he emphasized that non-Muslims were not targeted, as Sharia law applies only to Muslims in the region.

Mujahid Aminudeen, the deputy commander of Hisbah, strongly condemned the public consumption of food during Ramadan, emphasizing that such actions were disrespectful and would not be tolerated. He expressed disappointment over the behavior of some adult Muslims who disregarded the fasting obligation by eating and drinking openly. According to him, Ramadan is a sacred period of spiritual reflection and discipline, and breaking the fast in public undermines its sanctity. He confirmed that all 25 individuals arrested for violating fasting rules had already been charged in a Sharia court and would face appropriate legal consequences.

Aminudeen also revealed that many of the arrests were triggered by complaints from local residents, who reported individuals seen eating or drinking in public. Hisbah officers responded swiftly to these tip-offs, ensuring that those violating fasting rules were held accountable. He explained that community members regularly alert authorities when they witness such actions, reflecting a strong societal commitment to upholding religious traditions.

Beyond enforcing Ramadan observance, Hisbah also detained individuals for violating other aspects of Sharia law. Among those arrested were men with “inappropriate haircuts,” individuals wearing shorts above the knee, and tricycle drivers who mixed male and female passengers practices that Hisbah has consistently sought to regulate in Kano.

In previous years, those arrested for not fasting were released after pledging to observe the fast for the remainder of Ramadan. Some were also placed under the supervision of their relatives to ensure compliance. However, this year, Hisbah has adopted a stricter approach, insisting that those arrested will face trial in a Sharia court and receive formal punishment.

Kano is one of 12 northern Nigerian states that adopted Sharia law over two decades ago, applying it alongside the country’s secular legal system. While Sharia does not apply to Christian minorities living in these states, it is enforced on Muslims in areas where Islamic law holds influence.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, holds special religious significance for Muslims worldwide. It is believed to be the month when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, requiring Muslims to abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs during daylight hours.

This year’s Ramadan is expected to last 29 or 30 days, with the fast concluding on March 30. As enforcement continues, Kano’s Islamic police remain vigilant, ensuring that observant Muslims comply with fasting regulations throughout the holy month.