Islamic police in the northern Nigerian state of Kano have arrested Muslims seen and drunk publicly, as well as those who sell food at the beginning of Ramadan, when Muslims should be fast from dawn to dusk.
Deputy Commander Hisbah, Mujahideen Aminudeen, said the BBC that 20 people were arrested for not fasting and five for food sales, and that operations would continue throughout the month, which began on Saturday.
“It is important to note that we are not dealing with non -Muslims,” he said.
Mr. Aminudeen said that any “disrespect” for Ramadan will not be forgiven for Ramadan.
“It is a hearty heart that in such a holy month a post will be intended, adult Muslims are seen eating and drinking publicly. We will not approve it and that is why we have come into arrests,” he said.
He said that all 25 were charged with a Sharia court and that he would be punished accordingly.
Hisbah official added that they sometimes get advice when people see themselves eating.
“We get calls from people who are furious after seeing people eating in public and acting quickly by going to the area to make arrests.”
He also confirmed the arrest of other people seen with “inappropriate hairstyles”, carrying shorts above the knee and tricycle driver who mix men’s and passengers.
Last year, those arrested for not fasting were released after promising quickly, while relatives or guardians of some of them were invited and ordered to monitor them to make sure they would be fast.
Those arrested this year did not have that much luck because they would have to face the court.
Just over two decades ago, Sharia or Islamic Law was introduced to work with the secular law in 12 northern states of Nigeria that have a majority Muslim population. Sharia does not apply to the Christian minorities living in the United States.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, has a special significance in Islam.
During this month, Muslims believe that the first verses of the Qur’an – the Holy Book of Islam – were discovered by the Prophet Muhammad.
Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, who founded the way Muslims needed to live their lives. The gut is observed during daylight.
Ramadan usually lasted 29 or 30 days, and is expected to end on Sunday, March 30th.
