Hisbah Arrests Youths Over Alleged Mockery of Hajj Rituals

The Kebbi State Hisbah Board has arrested a group of youths in Zuru Local Government Area over allegations that they mocked Hajj rituals by wearing ihram garments and imitating pilgrimage rites on the Day of Arafah.

The incident was contained in a statement issued by the Board’s Director of Sharia, Judge Surajo Usman Kamba.

According to the statement, the Hisbah operatives acted after receiving reports that the youths were engaging in actions resembling Hajj rituals being observed by pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

The Board said the suspects were taken into custody and questioned over their conduct.

Officials of the Hisbah Board reportedly used the opportunity to educate the youths on the religious significance of Hajj, explaining that the pilgrimage is an Islamic obligation to be performed only at designated holy sites and within specified periods.

It stressed that replicating the rituals outside the approved settings does not amount to a valid pilgrimage under Islamic teachings.

“The youths were educated on the religious significance and requirements of Hajj and were made to understand that such acts are not recognised in Islamic teachings,” the statement said.

Following the interaction, the youths were said to have admitted wrongdoing, expressed remorse, and promised not to repeat such actions.

The Board added that they were released after giving undertakings to be of good conduct.

It, however, cautioned young people in the state to seek proper religious knowledge and avoid behaviours that could misrepresent Islamic practices or lead to misunderstanding of religious obligations.

The Hisbah Board reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining moral order and guiding residents on issues of religious conduct in line with Islamic principles.