Hisbah arrests Muslims for eating, selling food during Ramadan fasting hours

Hisbah arrests Muslims for eating, selling food during Ramadan fasting hours

The Kano Hisbah Board has confirmed the arrest of several individuals for allegedly eating, drinking, and selling food in public during fasting hours in the ongoing Ramadan period.

Hisbah, the state’s Islamic enforcement agency, stated that the arrests were made to uphold the sanctity of Ramadan, one of the five pillars of Islam, which requires fasting from dawn to sunset.

While fasting is obligatory for Muslims, Islam provides exemptions for certain individuals, including the sick, pregnant women, travelers, breastfeeding mothers, menstruating women, and the elderly who are incapable of fasting. Those exempted are expected to make up for missed fasts at a later time.

Mujahideen Abubakar, the board’s deputy commander general of operations, told BBC that 25 suspects have been arrested.

He noted that the operation, which began on Saturday, will continue until the end of the month.

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“It is important to note that we don’t concern ourselves with non-Muslims — any disrespect for Ramadan would not be condoned,” he said.

“It’s heart-breaking 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.

“20 people had been arrested for not fasting and five for selling food.

“We do get calls from people who are enraged after seeing people eating in public and we act fast by going to the area to make arrests.”

Abubakar said all 25 had been charged in a Sharia court and would be punished accordingly.

The Kano Hisbah Board is responsible for enforcing moral regulations under Islamic law in the state.

The agency is known for various activities, including the destruction of alcoholic beverages, the arrest of unmarried men and women found together in hotels, and the ban on the use of mannequins in boutiques.

Hisbah arrests Muslims for eating, selling food during Ramadan fasting hours