Authorities in Kano, a predominantly Muslim state in northern Nigeria, have begun cracking down on individuals violating the Ramadan fast, with the state’s Islamic police, known as the Hisbah, arresting people seen eating or selling food in public.
According to Mujahid Aminudeen, the deputy commander of the Hisbah, 20 Muslims were arrested for publicly eating and drinking, while five others were taken into custody for selling food during fasting hours. He emphasized that enforcement operations would continue throughout the month of Ramadan, which began on Saturday.
“It is important to note that we don’t concern ourselves with non-Muslims,” Aminudeen stated, adding that any display of disregard for Ramadan would not be tolerated.
Unlike previous years, when those caught violating the fast were released after pledging to observe it, this year’s offenders will face trial in a Sharia court.
“It’s 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,” Aminudeen explained.
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The Hisbah police often act on tip-offs from residents who report individuals eating during fasting hours. Aminudeen revealed that community members frequently notify the force when they witness such acts, prompting swift arrests.
The Hisbah’s enforcement efforts have extended beyond Ramadan violations. Aminudeen confirmed that officers had also detained individuals with what they deemed “inappropriate haircuts,” men wearing shorts above the knee, and commercial tricycle operators who mixed male and female passengers.
Kano is one of 12 northern Nigerian states that adopted Sharia law more than two decades ago. The Islamic legal system operates alongside the country’s secular laws but applies only to Muslims.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is deeply significant in Islam, as it is believed to be when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Observing the fast from dawn to dusk is considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
The month-long fast is expected to conclude around March 30, depending on the sighting of the moon.
