Respect Muslims: Avoid Eating In Public During Fasting Hours – Cleric Advises Nigerians

Respect Muslims: Avoid Eating In Public During Fasting Hours – Cleric Advises Nigerians

Dr. Tajudeen Adebayo, the Chief Imam of Falomo Lagos Central Mosque, has urged the public to respect the sensitivity of fasting Muslim faithful by refraining from eating in their presence…..READ ALSO Bauchi Police Offer Reward For Information Leading To Arrest Of Wanted Cleric

Adebayo emphasized that consuming food in public during fasting hours undermines the reverence of those observing fasts and could discourage individuals from participating in this act of self-denial.

Speaking to NAN in Lagos on Thursday, the cleric addressed the issue in light of recent incidents where some Muslim faithful were caught eating during fasting hours.

The arrest of 10 men and a female groundnut vendor by Hisbah, the Islamic Police in Kano, for allegedly eating in public during fasting hours, was confirmed by Mr. Lawal Fagge, the Hisbah spokesperson.

Fagge stated that the men were apprehended near a Kano market, while the female vendor was caught eating from her wares, with the arrests facilitated by tips from onlookers.

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

He clarified, “Fasting is mandatory for every mature healthy Muslim who’s not on a journey. Exempted from fasting are sick people, travelers, the elderly, pregnant and breastfeeding women who can’t bear it. Women who are experiencing their monthly flow or childbirth blood are exempted too.”

“It’s courteous for others to respect the sensibility of those who are fasting by not eating publicly,” he added, citing insensitivity to the feelings of the general public as the reason for the arrests.