The Kano State Hisbah Board’s Department of Public Enlightenment has issued a caution to non-Muslim residents regarding public consumption of food during the Ramadan fasting period. Abba Sai’Idu, the Board’s Director-General, emphasized in a discussion with AIT.live that public eating by Christians and other non-Muslims, or any act that potentially disrespects Islam or tempts those observing the fast, is considered inappropriate.
Sai’Idu also highlighted that the Board’s enforcement teams have increased their patrols within the city to ensure adherence to Islamic norms, particularly during this sacred month. He mentioned that any Muslim found violating these principles would face consequences.
This announcement comes in the wake of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, who also serves as the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), declaring Monday, March 11, 2024, as the start of Ramadan 1445AH, marking the beginning of the fasting period for Muslims across the country.
During Ramadan, Muslims are expected to engage in a fast from dawn to dusk, refraining from eating, drinking, sexual activities, smoking, and other behaviors prohibited by the Holy Quran.
In a related event reported by SaharaReporters in 2021, the Kano State Hisbah Board apprehended eight women and three men for consuming food during the daylight hours of Ramadan. The arrests occurred during a Hisbah operation in the Tudun Murtala and Sharada areas, despite the individuals’ claims of having valid reasons for their actions.