Nigerian Islamic Police Arrest Non-Fasting Muslims during Ramadan

11 Muslims were arrested in Nigeria’s northern state of Kano for eating food during the Ramadan fast, according to reports.

Kano has a majority Muslim population, with an Islamic legal system known as Sharia operating alongside secular law.

Every year during Ramadan, the Islamic police, also known as Hisbah, conduct inspections of eateries and markets.

The 10 men and one woman were set free after pledging not to intentionally skip a fast in the future.

“On Tuesday, we apprehended 11 individuals, one of whom was a woman selling groundnuts. She was observed eating from her merchandise, which was reported to us by concerned citizens,” stated Lawal Fagge, spokesperson for Hisbah, in an interview with the BBC.

“The remaining 10 individuals were male and were apprehended throughout the city, particularly in proximity to bustling markets.”

He mentioned that the search operations would persist, clarifying that individuals of other faiths were not included.

“Non-Muslims are not arrested because it is not their concern. The only situation where they may be considered guilty is if they are discovered selling food to Muslims who are fasting.”

He mentioned that those who were arrested were released after agreeing to begin fasting and, in some cases, their family members were contacted to keep an eye on them.

Approximately 20 years ago, Sharia was implemented to complement secular law in 12 of Nigeria’s northern states with a predominantly Muslim population.

It is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It holds a unique importance in Islam.

It is in this month that Muslims commemorate the revelation of the first verses of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad, which is considered a significant event in Islam.

Observing fasting is a fundamental practice in Islam, establishing guidelines for Muslims’ way of life. The fast occurs only during the hours of daylight.

According to predictions, Ramadan this year will span 30 days, beginning on Monday 11 March and concluding on Tuesday 9 April.