The Kano State Hisbah Board’s arrest of over ten people caught eating during Ramadan fasting hours has been described as anti-Islamic.
In a statement on Wednesday, Shehu Gazali Sadiq, a Muslim, noted that it is a gross violation of the fundamental human rights of those arrested.
Asking if people are being forced to practice Islam, Sadiq noted that the Nigerian Constitution should supersede Sharia laws.
“Arresting people for eating in Kano during Ramadan is an abuse of human rights. Why are you forcing religion down the people’s throats? Is it by force too fast? Is it by force to be a Muslim? Where is the Nigerian constitution?” Sadiq stated.
The Kano State Hisbah Board has also given a directive to residents of other religions who are not observing this Ramadan fast to refrain from eating openly, which has been described as a negation of the doctrines of Islam.
In an interview with AIT. Live, the Director-General of Hisbah, Abba Sai’Idu, stated that the enforcement team now conducts more frequent patrols across the city to arrest any Muslim found engaging in any practice that is not in Islamic culture during the Holy Month.
During the Holy Month of Ramadan, Muslims are supposed to refrain from eating, drinking, having sex, or smoking during the day, as well as any other behaviors prohibited by the Holy Quran.
Except in Christian-dominated communities such as Sabon Gari, Bompai, and Jaba, few food vendors in Kano State are currently open during the day because the majority of their customers are fasting.
