Hisbah Detains Two for Turning Away from Qibla During Prayers in Kano
By Ahmad Tijjani Abdul
KANO — The Kano State Hisbah Board has detained two young men, identified as Adamu Umar and Jamilu Jimilla Ayuba, for allegedly turning away from the Qibla while congregants observed the Isha prayer at the Central Jumu’ah Mosque in Kunya town, Minjibir Local Government Area of the state.
The incident, which reportedly occurred during the congregational prayer, drew the attention of worshippers and was later reported to the Hisbah authorities.
A video of the youths’ actions was also said to have been circulated and submitted to the board for investigation.
Speaking on the development, the Hisbah Commander in Minjibir Local Government Area, Malam Abdullahi Muhammad, said the board acted after receiving reports and video evidence showing the two youths facing west while the prayer was ongoing.
“We received complaints from members of the community alongside a video showing the two young men turning away from the direction of prayer during Isha prayer at the mosque,” Abdullahi said.
He disclosed that a meeting was subsequently convened at the palace of the District Head of Kunya, bringing together the suspects, community leaders and Islamic scholars from the Izala, Qadiriyya and Tijjaniyya sects to examine the matter.
According to him, the clerics unanimously agreed that the action had no basis in Islamic teachings and could not be justified by any recognised religious doctrine.
“The scholars carefully listened to them and concluded that what they were doing has no foundation in Islam. They were unable to provide any convincing religious evidence to support their actions,” he said.
Abdullahi further stated that the two suspects remained in Hisbah custody as investigations continued, adding that they had admitted wrongdoing and sought forgiveness.
“They told us that they were misled by satanic influence and have expressed remorse over their conduct. They are asking for forgiveness and have pledged not to repeat the act,” the commander added.
He said the board was expanding its investigation to determine whether other individuals were involved while also providing the suspects with counselling and religious guidance aimed at correcting their understanding of Islamic practices.
The Hisbah official reiterated the board’s commitment to promoting moral values and safeguarding religious sanctity across communities in Kano State.