Dr. Tajudeen Adebayo, the Chief Imam of Falomo Lagos Central Mosque, emphasized the importance of respecting fasting Muslim faithful by refraining from eating in their presence during Ramadan.
Adebayo expressed concern that eating in public during fasting hours undermines the sensitivity of those fasting and may discourage others from observing the self-denial ritual.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, Adebayo addressed recent incidents where some Muslims were caught eating during fasting hours.
In a recent development, Hisbah, the Islamic Police, apprehended 10 men and a female groundnut vendor in Kano for allegedly eating in public during Ramadan.
Confirming the arrest, Hisbah spokesperson Mr. Lawal Fagge stated that the men were nabbed near a Kano market, while the female vendor was caught eating from her wares, following a tip-off from bystanders.
Commenting on the incident, the Lagos cleric stressed that in an ideal Islamic environment, fasting during Ramadan is sacred and should be respected by all.
He highlighted the exemptions from fasting, including for the sick, travelers, the elderly, pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as those experiencing menstruation or post-childbirth bleeding.
Adebayo emphasized the importance of respecting the sensitivities of fasting individuals by refraining from eating publicly, reiterating that the recent arrests were made due to insensitivity towards the fasting community.
