The Islamic police in Nigeria’s northern state of Kano have apprehended 11 Muslims for allegedly breaking their fast during the Ramadan.
According to the officers, the accused were spotted eating during fasting hours.
They were detained by religious officers known as Hisbah on March 12, 2024, for going against the Islamic law alongside secular regulations in the predominantly Muslim region.
“We got 11 persons on Tuesday including a lady selling groundnuts who was seen eating from her wares and some persons alerted us,” hisbah police confirmed.
“The other 10 were men and were arrested across the city especially close to markets where a lot of activities happen.”
Non-Muslims Exemption from Ramadan Rule
While emphasizing the continuance of search operations, Hisbah spokesperson, Lawal Fagge clarified that non-Muslims were exempted from arrest.
However, he noted that they might be considered in violation if they sell food to Muslims during their fasting hours.
“We don’t arrest non-Muslims because this doesn’t concern them and the only time, they could be guilty of a crime is when we find out they cook food to sell to Muslims that are supposed to be fasting,” explained Lawal Fagge Hisbah spokesperson.
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Following their detention, the individuals were released upon undertaking an oath promising not to intentionally miss fasting again.
The Islamic spokesperson further noted that they have established strict supervision to other members over the fasting rule.
“For some of them, we had to see their relatives or guardians in order to have family monitor them,” Fagge revealed.
Islamic Sharia Law
The enforcement of Sharia law during Ramadan involves regular inspections of eateries and markets to ensure compliance with fasting regulations.
Integration of this law together with secular legislation occurred over two decades ago in 12 of Nigeria’s northern states with predominantly Muslim populations.
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Of note is that Ramadan holds a significant place in the Islam religion. Being the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Muslims commemorate the revelation of the first verses of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad.
Therefore, fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, signifying fundamental aspects of Muslim practice.
This year, Ramadan is anticipated to span 30 days, with fasting which commenced on Monday, March 11, and is expected to end on Tuesday, April 9.
