…Urges Parents, Couples To Comply
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The Sokoto State Hisbah Board has announced an immediate ban on several wedding and social gathering practices which it described as contrary to Islamic teachings, public morality and the cultural values of the state.
The directive was announced through an official public notice issued by the Board and during a media briefing addressed by its Commander, Malam Usman Abdullahi Jatau, at the Hisbah headquarters in Sokoto.
Among the prohibited practices is the popular marriage introduction custom known as “Na Gani In So,” during which a prospective groom and his relatives present assorted gifts, including soft drinks, bottled water, biscuits, sweets and kola nuts, to the family of the prospective bride.
The Board also banned the use of disc jockeys at wedding ceremonies, Wazigidi music and mixed-gender entertainment gatherings involving unrelated men and women.
Other practices prohibited by the Hisbah Board include the use of loudspeakers on commercial tricycles, women sitting beside tricycle riders and hairstyles for children and young people which the Board considers indecent or inconsistent with acceptable religious and cultural standards.
The Board further cautioned families against excessive spending on bridal gifts, commonly known as “lefe,” warning that extravagant marriage arrangements were placing unnecessary financial pressure on couples and their families.
Jatau said the measures were introduced to protect the religious and cultural values of Sokoto State and discourage practices the Board considers innovations contrary to the teachings and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad.
“We declare that these innovations, which are contrary to the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad, 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 the families of prospective brides and grooms to simplify marriage arrangements and desist from activities 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,” he said.
Jatau warned that the directive would be enforced and that persons who continued to organise, participate in or provide services for the prohibited activities could face sanctions.
“This is our final warning to everyone, especially those engaged in these activities and those who patronise them. They should fear Allah and stop before sanctions are taken against them,” he added.
The Board maintained that simplifying marriages and reducing extravagant demands would make it easier for young people to marry without incurring avoidable debts or imposing hardship on their families.
It therefore urged religious leaders, community heads, parents, event organisers, tricycle operators and entertainment service providers to support the enforcement of the directive and ensure compliance across the state.
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