By Milcah Tanim
Dr. Tajudeen Adebayo, the Chief Imam of Falomo Lagos Central Mosque, has called on the public to demonstrate respect for the fasting Muslim community by refraining from eating in their presence.
Adebayo emphasized that consuming food in public during fasting hours undermines the sensitivity of those observing fasts and may discourage individuals from adhering to this period of self-denial.
Speaking to NAN in Lagos on Thursday, the cleric addressed recent incidents where some Muslims were caught eating during fasting hours.
The arrest of 10 men and a female groundnut vendor by Hisbah, the Islamic Police, in Kano for eating in public during fasting hours was confirmed by Hisbah spokesperson, Mr. Lawal Fagge. The men were apprehended near a Kano market, while the female vendor was caught eating from her wares following a tip-off from onlookers.
Commenting on this incident, the Lagos cleric stressed that fasting during Ramadan is a sacred obligation in Islam and should be respected by all members of society.
“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,” Adebayo explained.
He further emphasized that the arrests were made due to insensitivity to the feelings of the fasting community and highlighted the importance of respecting religious practices in an ideal Islamic environment.
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