Rédaction Africa Links 24 with BBC
Published on 2024-03-14 06:30:24
The Islamic police in Nigeria’s northern state of Kano made headlines after arresting 11 Muslims who were caught eating food during the Ramadan fast. Kano, with a majority Muslim population, operates under an Islamic legal system known as sharia in addition to secular law. The enforcement of sharia is carried out by the hisbah, also known as the Islamic police, who conduct searches of eateries and markets annually during Ramadan.
The 10 men and one woman who were arrested were eventually released after swearing an oath that they would not intentionally break their fast again. Lawal Fagge, a spokesperson for the hisbah, revealed that the 10 men were captured in various locations around the city, particularly near busy markets where activities were taking place. The woman was caught eating from her groundnut wares, prompting concerned citizens to notify the authorities.
Fagge emphasized that search operations would continue throughout Ramadan, focusing on Muslims who violate fasting rules. Non-Muslims are exempt from these searches unless they are found to be cooking food for fasting Muslims in violation of the rules. For the individuals who were arrested, their release was contingent upon their promise to adhere to the fasting requirements moving forward. Some of them even required involvement from their family members or guardians to ensure compliance.
Over twenty years ago, sharia was incorporated alongside secular law in 12 northern Nigerian states with predominantly Muslim populations. Ramadan holds special significance in Islam as the ninth month of the Islamic calendar when Muslims believe the Quran’s first verses were revealed to Prophet Muhammad. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, outlining essential practices for Muslim life. The fast is observed from dawn to sunset each day throughout the month of Ramadan.
In the current year, Ramadan is projected to last for 30 days until the 9th of April. The strict enforcement of fasting regulations by the hisbah in Kano highlights the significance of Ramadan observance in Muslim-majority regions. Muslims are expected to honor the fasting requirements as an integral part of their faith.
Overall, the incident in Kano underscores the importance of adhering to religious practices, particularly during significant religious events like Ramadan. The intersection of sharia and secular law in Kano reflects the diverse legal landscape in Nigeria’s northern states with Muslim-majority populations. As the hisbah continues its enforcement efforts, the community is reminded of the cultural and religious significance of fasting during Ramadan.
Read the original article on The Namibian
