In a move that has sparked controversy and raised questions about religious freedom, the Islamic police in the northern Nigerian state of Kano have made a series of arrests for breaking religious rules during the holy month of Ramadan.
According to reports, Muslims in Kano have been arrested for publicly eating and drinking during daylight hours, as well as for selling food at a time when Muslims are expected to fast from dawn until dusk. The crackdown, spearheaded by the Hisbah, has already resulted in the arrests of 20 individuals for not fasting and five for selling food in violation of Ramadan restrictions.
Deputy commander of the Hisbah, Mujahid Aminudeen, defended the arrests, emphasizing the importance of respecting the traditions of Ramadan. He stated that the Hisbah’s operations would continue throughout the month in an effort to enforce adherence to fasting guidelines.
“It is important to note that we don’t concern ourselves with non-Muslims,” Aminudeen clarified, signaling that the enforcement efforts are targeted specifically at Muslim individuals. He went on to express disappointment at the sight of adult Muslims openly flouting the fasting rules during such a sacred month.
The Hisbah official further explained that those arrested have been charged in a Sharia court and will face appropriate punishments for their actions. Aminudeen also revealed that the Hisbah often receives tips from concerned citizens who report sightings of individuals eating in public, prompting swift action by the enforcement authorities.
In addition to the crackdown on eating in public during Ramadan, the Hisbah has also targeted other perceived infractions, including individuals with “inappropriate haircuts,” men wearing shorts above the knee, and tricycle drivers mixing male and female passengers. These arrests underscore the Hisbah’s mission to uphold Islamic values and traditions in Kano.
The enforcement of Islamic law, or Sharia, in Nigeria’s northern states has been a contentious issue for years, particularly as it pertains to religious minorities. Sharia does not apply to the Christian populations in these states, raising concerns about religious tolerance and freedom of expression.
Ramadan holds a special significance in Islam, as it commemorates the revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad. Fasting during Ramadan is considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam, symbolizing self-discipline, spiritual reflection, and empathy for those less fortunate.
As the holy month progresses, the debate over the enforcement of religious laws and personal freedoms continues to unfold in Kano and beyond. The arrests made by the Hisbah serve as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding the intersection of religious beliefs and civil liberties.
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