The Kano State Hisbah Board has arrested 20 Muslims for eating and drinking in public during the ongoing Ramadan fast. Additionally, five individuals have been detained for selling food during fasting hours, which extend from dawn to dusk. The arrests were made as part of efforts to enforce compliance with Islamic practices during the holy month.
Ramadan, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, requires Muslims to abstain from food, drink, and other activities from dawn until sunset for a period of 29 or 30 days. This year, the fasting period is expected to conclude on Sunday, March 30, 2025. Observance of the fast is considered a fundamental religious obligation for adult Muslims.
The Deputy Commander of Hisbah, Mujahid Aminudeen, confirmed the arrests on Monday, emphasizing the board’s commitment to maintaining the sanctity of Ramadan. He expressed disappointment over the violation of fasting rules by some Muslims.
“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 stated.
According to Aminudeen, all 25 individuals have been charged in a Sharia court and will face appropriate legal consequences. The enforcement actions are part of the Hisbah Board’s broader mandate to uphold Islamic moral standards in Kano State.
He further clarified that the board’s actions are limited to Muslims and do not apply to non-Muslims. “It is important to note that we don’t concern ourselves with non-Muslims,” he added.
Hisbah, the Islamic religious police in Kano State, is responsible for enforcing Sharia law among the Muslim population. The board has a history of carrying out similar enforcement activities, particularly during Ramadan, to ensure adherence to Islamic rules.
The arrest of Muslims for publicly breaking their fast or selling food during fasting hours has been a recurring practice in Kano, where Sharia law operates alongside Nigeria’s secular legal system. While some residents support the enforcement of Islamic laws, others have raised concerns about personal freedoms and the role of religious police in daily life.
The Hisbah Board remains firm in its stance, maintaining that its actions align with Islamic principles and the expectations of the Muslim-majority population in Kano. As Ramadan continues, authorities are likely to intensify monitoring to ensure compliance with fasting regulations.
