The Sokoto State Hisbah Board has announced a ban on several practices associated with weddings and other social gatherings, citing concerns that they contravene Islamic teachings and societal morals.
In a statement on Monday, the Commander of the state Hisbah Board, Malam Usman Jatau, announced that the practice prohibited by the board is Na Gani in So, a marriage introduction tradition in which a suitor presents assorted gifts, including cartons of soft drinks, bottled water, biscuits, sweets and kola nuts, to the family of a prospective bride.
The board also banned the use of DJs and wazigidi music at ceremonies, the mounting of loudspeakers and excessive sound systems on tricycles, and women sitting beside tricycle riders.
Other prohibited practices include mixed-gender entertainment gatherings, what the board described as indecent hairstyles for children and youths, excessive spending on bridal gifts known as lefe, and other activities it considers contrary to the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad.
Jatau said the measures were introduced to promote morality and preserve the religious and cultural values of the state.
‘We declare that these innovations (bid’ah), which are contrary to the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), have negative consequences for any marriage conducted in such a manner because it departs from the teachings of the Prophet’, he said.
The Hisbah commander urged parents, intending couples and members of both families to fear Allah and refrain from engaging in practices prohibited by the board.
‘We call on the families of both the bride and groom, as well as parents, to fear Allah and desist from these practices. The board will carry out its responsibilities whenever these prohibited practices are taking place, especially when we are called upon to intervene’, Jatau said.
