Dr. Tajudeen Adebayo, the witty Chief Imam of Falomo Lagos Central Mosque, has issued a quirky plea to the public, urging them to tread lightly during fasting hours and spare a thought for their hungry Muslim brethren.
In a tongue-in-cheek interview with newsmen in Lagos, Dr. Adebayo humorously emphasized the importance of respecting the fasting sensibilities of Muslims by refraining from flaunting their feasts in public.
Highlighting a recent incident where Hisbah nabbed 10 men and a hapless groundnut vendor in Kano for their public snacking shenanigans, Dr. Adebayo noted the need for tact and consideration during Ramadan.
Quoting Islamic exemptions from fasting with a sly grin, he reminded everyone that Ramadan fasting is not just a hunger game – it’s a sacred ritual.
“Fasting is mandatory for every mature healthy Muslim who’s not on a journey.
“Exempted from fasting are sick people, travellers, the elderly, pregnant and breastfeeding women who can’t bear it.
“Women who are experiencing their monthly flow or childbirth blood are exempted too.”
With a dash of humor and a dollop of wisdom, Dr. Adebayo urged the public to curb their cravings and give fasting folks a fighting chance.
“It’s courteous for others to respect the sensibility of those who are fasting by not eating publicly,” he said.
According to him, it is on that ground of insensitivity to the feelings of the general public that they were arrested.
