Dr. Tajudeen Adebayo, the Chief Imam of Falomo Lagos Central Mosque, emphasized the importance of respecting the sensitivities of fasting Muslim believers by refraining from eating in their presence.
Adebayo noted that public eating during fasting hours undermines the dignity of those observing the fast and may discourage others from participating in this act of self-denial.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Thursday, he addressed recent incidents where some Muslims were found eating during fasting hours.
According to NAN, the Hisbah, the Islamic Police, detained 10 men and a female groundnut vendor in Kano on Wednesday for allegedly eating in public during fasting hours.
Confirming the arrests, Hisbah spokesperson Mr. Lawal Fagge explained that the men were apprehended near a Kano market, while the female vendor was caught consuming her wares.
Fagge added that the arrests were made possible by information provided by bystanders.
Reflecting on the incident, the cleric from Lagos stressed that fasting during Ramadan is a sacred practice in an ideal Islamic community and should be honored by all.
“Fasting is mandatory for every mature, healthy Muslim who is not on a journey.
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“Exempted from fasting are sick people, travellers, the elderly, and pregnant and breastfeeding women who cannot bear it.
“Women who are experiencing their monthly flow or childbirth blood are exempted too.
“However, those who have excuses valid enough to be exempted from fasting, either permanently or tentatively, are expected.
“It is courteous for others to respect the sensibility of those who are fasting by not eating publicly.
He maintained that their arrest stems from their insensitivity towards the sentiments of the general public.
