Hisbah arrests youths for skipping Ramadan fast, ‘indecent haircuts’

In a sweeping enforcement operation on the first day of Ramadan, the Kano State Hisbah Board has arrested numerous young men for allegedly failing to observe the fast, sporting haircuts deemed “indecent,” and mixing male and female passengers in commercial tricycles.

Deputy Commander General Dr. Mujahideen Abubakar confirmed the arrests, stating that the suspects were apprehended during routine patrols across Kano metropolis.

He emphasized that the board is committed to upholding Islamic law and local cultural norms, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.

Among those detained, around 60 individuals were arrested for their hairstyles, which the Hisbah Board claims violate Islamic principles and community standards.

Additionally, several tricycle (keke napep) drivers were taken into custody for allegedly allowing male and female passengers to ride together, a practice the board has vowed to stamp out.

Dr. Abubakar reiterated the board’s determination to continue its patrols throughout Ramadan, ensuring strict compliance with Sharia law.

“We will not tolerate any acts that undermine the sanctity of this holy month,” he declared.

The arrests have sparked mixed reactions, with some residents supporting the enforcement of religious and cultural values, while others criticize the measures as overly intrusive.

About Hisbah

Hisbah is an Islamic concept and institution rooted in the principle of “enjoining good and forbidding wrong” (Al-amr bi’l-maʿrūf wa’n-nahy ʿani’l-munkar).

It is a moral and religious policing system aimed at ensuring compliance with Islamic law (Sharia) and promoting societal welfare according to Islamic principles.

The concept of Hisbah is derived from the Quran and Hadith, which encourage Muslims to promote virtue and prevent vice within their communities.

It focuses on maintaining public order, morality, and adherence to Islamic teachings, such as prayer, fasting, modest dress, and ethical behavior.

In many Muslim-majority regions, Hisbah is institutionalized as a government agency or board, often operating under the authority of religious or local governments.

Hisbah operatives monitor public behavior, enforce Sharia-compliant practices, and address issues like indecent dressing, alcohol consumption, gambling, and gender segregation.

They conduct routine patrols, issue warnings, and, in some cases, make arrests or impose penalties for violations.

For example, in Nigeria’s Kano State, the Hisbah Board enforces Sharia law in areas like dress codes, alcohol bans, and Ramadan fasting, as seen in the recent arrests of individuals for “indecent haircuts” and not fasting.

Similarly, in Saudi Arabia, the Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice (often referred to as the “religious police”) performs similar functions, ensuring public adherence to Islamic norms.

However, Hisbah operations have faced criticism for potentially infringing on personal freedoms and human rights, particularly in cases where enforcement is perceived as excessive or intrusive.

In regions with diverse populations, Hisbah’s strict enforcement of Sharia can also lead to tensions between religious and secular communities.

In some areas, Hisbah has expanded its role to include community services like conflict resolution, education, and welfare programs, aiming to foster a more holistic approach to societal well-being.

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