In a recent enforcement action, the Kano State Hisbah Board arrested 20 Muslims for publicly consuming food and beverages during the ongoing Ramadan fast.
The board detained five individuals for selling food during the fasting hours, which span from dawn until dusk, as reported by BBC.
Ramadan, a holy month observed by Muslims worldwide, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and involves fasting from dawn to sunset for 29 or 30 days.
This year, Ramadan is expected to conclude on Sunday, March 30, 2025.
The Deputy Commander of Hisbah, Mujahid Aminudeen, disclosed the arrest on Monday, saying the arrests were made to uphold the sanctity of the holy month.
“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,” he said.
Aminudeen added that all 25 suspects had been charged in a Sharia court and would face appropriate punishment.
He clarified that the board only targets Muslims, adding, “It is important to note that we don’t concern ourselves with non-Muslims.”
The Hisbah Commander clarified that the enforcement operation, which commenced at the onset of Ramadan, would remain ongoing throughout the entire month.
In addition to apprehending individuals for public eating, drinking, and selling food during fasting hours, the board has also detained people with “inappropriate haircuts,” those wearing shorts above the knee, and tricycle drivers transporting both male and female passengers simultaneously.
Abubakar stated that the Hisbah Board acts promptly on information provided by concerned residents, demonstrating the board’s responsiveness to community concerns and its dedication to upholding Islamic values and maintaining public order during Ramadan.
“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,” he stated.
Last year, some individuals apprehended for violating Ramadan fasting regulations were released after pledging to observe the fast, while others were placed under the supervision of their guardians.
However, according to Aminudeen, those arrested this year will not be exempt from facing legal consequences.
Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), officially announced Saturday, March 1, 2025, as the first day of Ramadan 1446 AH, following the sighting of the crescent moon on Friday, February 28.
