Non-muslims should stop eating in public during fasting hours – Cleric says

The cleric stated that Ramadan fasting is sacred and should be respected by all.

The Chief Imam of Falomo Central Mosque, Lagos, Dr. Tajuden Adebayo has pleaded with the public to respect the sensibility of those who are fasting by not eating in public.

Adebayo said this while speaking with the News Agency Of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos about the recent arrest of some Muslims by Hismah (Islamic Police) who were caught eating when they should be fasting in Kano.

According to the Hisbah spokesperson, Lawal Fagge, 10 men and a female groundnut vendor were arrested for allegedly eating in public during the hours of fasting.

Commenting on the incident, the Lagos cleric stated that in an ideal Islamic setting, fasting during the month of Ramadan is sacred and should be respected by all.

“Fasting is mandatory for every mature healthy Muslim who is not on a journey.

“Exempted from fasting are sick people, travellers, the elderly, pregnant and breastfeeding women who cannot bear it.

“Women who are experiencing their monthly flow or childbirth bloods 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.”

The cleric added that the individuals were arrested on the ground of insensitivity to the feelings of the general public that they were arrested.