In the northern Nigerian state of Kano, where the majority of the population is Muslim, the Islamic police, known as Hisbah, arrested 11 Muslims for eating during the Ramadan fast.
The Sharia legal system operates alongside secular law in this region. Hisbah routinely conducts searches of eateries and markets during Ramadan.
The individuals, consisting of 10 men and one woman, were released after swearing an oath not to intentionally break the fast again.
According to Lawal Fagge, the Hisbah spokesperson, the arrests occurred after reports from concerned citizens, with one woman observed eating from her groundnut stall and others caught around market areas.
Hisbah clarified that non-Muslims are not targeted for such offenses, unless they are found selling food to Muslims during fasting hours.
Those detained were released on the condition that they would fast diligently from then on. In some cases, Hisbah consulted with their families or guardians to ensure compliance.
Sharia was introduced in 12 of Nigeria’s northern states over twenty years ago, coexisting with secular law in regions where Muslims form the majority.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, holds significant importance in Islam, marking the period when Muslims believe the Quran’s first verses were revealed to Prophet Muhammad.
Fasting during daylight hours is one of Islam’s Five Pillars, governing Muslim lifestyle.
This year, Ramadan is anticipated to span 30 days, with fasting commencing on March 11 and concluding on April 9.
Source-BBC
