Kano, Nigeria’s northern state with a predominantly Muslim population, witnessed the arrest of 11 individuals on Tuesday by the Islamic police for violating the Ramadan fast by consuming food.
Operating in conjunction with secular law, Kano implements an Islamic legal system known as Sharia. The Hisbah, as the Islamic police are commonly referred to, conduct routine inspections of eateries and markets during the Ramadan period.
According to Lawal Fagge, spokesperson for the Hisbah, the arrests included ten men and one woman. The woman was caught eating from her vending stall, triggering the attention of authorities. The arrests predominantly occurred in market areas, which are hubs of activity during Ramadan.
Fagge explained that while search operations would persist, non-Muslims were not targeted. However, the Hisbah would intervene if non-Muslims were found selling food to Muslims during fasting hours.
The arrested individuals were released under the condition that they would adhere to fasting for the remainder of Ramadan. In some cases, family members or guardians were involved to ensure compliance.
Sharia was introduced in 12 of Nigeria’s northern states over two decades ago, all of which have Muslim majorities. Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, holds great significance for Muslims, commemorating the revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad.
Fasting during daylight hours is a fundamental tenet of Islam, observed as one of the Five Pillars of the faith. Ramadan this year is expected to span 30 days, commencing on March 11 and concluding on April 9.
