Photo Credit:Reuters
In the northern Nigerian state of Kano, the start of Ramadan has been marked not just by fasting, but by arrests. The Hisbah, or Islamic police, have detained 25 individuals—20 for eating and drinking in public and five for selling food—on the grounds of disrespecting the holy month. According to Hisbah deputy commander Mujahid Aminudeen, these operations will continue throughout Ramadan to ensure that fasting rules are upheld. "It is heart-breaking that in such a holy month, adult Muslims would be seen eating and drinking publicly," he stated. Unlike last year, when offenders were let off with a warning, those caught this time will face punishment under Sharia law.
Tip-offs from concerned citizens play a significant role in these arrests. "We get calls from people who are enraged after seeing others eating in public, and we act fast," Aminudeen explained. Alongside enforcing fasting, the Hisbah has also arrested individuals for “inappropriate haircuts,” wearing shorts above the knee and tricycle drivers mixing male and female passengers.
Sharia law has been implemented alongside secular law in 12 northern Nigerian states since the early 2000s. While it applies only to Muslims,
its enforcement—particularly during Ramadan—continues to stir debate. Critics argue that religious practices should be a personal choice, not a legal mandate, while supporters believe it preserves moral and religious discipline.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of Islam’s Five Pillars and is observed from dawn to dusk. The month holds deep spiritual significance, commemorating the revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad. With Ramadan expected to end on March 30, Hisbah officials are making it clear: public violations of fasting will not be tolerated.
As these arrests make headlines, they highlight the ongoing struggle between religious enforcement and personal freedoms in parts of Nigeria.
While some see Kano’s strict measures as necessary for upholding Islamic values, others question whether forceful implementation is the right approach in a diverse and modern society.
Tip-offs from concerned citizens play a significant role in these arrests. "We get calls from people who are enraged after seeing others eating in public, and we act fast," Aminudeen explained. Alongside enforcing fasting, the Hisbah has also arrested individuals for “inappropriate haircuts,” wearing shorts above the knee and tricycle drivers mixing male and female passengers.
Sharia law has been implemented alongside secular law in 12 northern Nigerian states since the early 2000s. While it applies only to Muslims,
its enforcement—particularly during Ramadan—continues to stir debate. Critics argue that religious practices should be a personal choice, not a legal mandate, while supporters believe it preserves moral and religious discipline.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of Islam’s Five Pillars and is observed from dawn to dusk. The month holds deep spiritual significance, commemorating the revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad. With Ramadan expected to end on March 30, Hisbah officials are making it clear: public violations of fasting will not be tolerated.
As these arrests make headlines, they highlight the ongoing struggle between religious enforcement and personal freedoms in parts of Nigeria.
While some see Kano’s strict measures as necessary for upholding Islamic values, others question whether forceful implementation is the right approach in a diverse and modern society.
