Board says banned practices go against Islamic teachings, urges families to simplify marriages

By Sadiq Abdulfatah

The Sokoto State Hisbah Board has banned several practices associated with weddings and social gatherings, saying they are contrary to Islamic teachings and moral values.

The ban, which takes immediate effect, includes the marriage introduction practice known as “Na Gani In So,” where a groom presents items such as cartons of soft drinks, bottled water, biscuits, sweets and kola nuts to the bride’s family. The board also outlawed the use of DJs and Wazigidi music at ceremonies.

Other banned practices include mounting loudspeakers and excessive sound systems on tricycles (Keke Napep), women sitting beside tricycle riders, mixed-gender entertainment gatherings, what the board described as indecent hairstyles for children and youths, excessive spending on bridal gifts (lefe), and other practices it said are not in line with the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Addressing journalists at the board’s headquarters in Sokoto, the Commander of the Sokoto State Hisbah Board, Malam Usman Abdullahi Jatau, said the measures were introduced to promote morality and preserve the state’s religious and cultural values.

Jatau said the banned practices were innovations (bid’ah) that go against the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), warning that they have negative consequences for marriages conducted in such a manner.

He called on parents, intending couples and members of both families to fear Allah and stay away from the prohibited practices, urging them to conduct marriages in line with Islamic teachings.

The Hisbah commander warned that the board would strictly enforce the new directives whenever such practices were reported or brought to its attention.

He also called on community leaders across the state to promote good morals and ensure proper moral upbringing within their communities.

Describing the announcement as a final warning, Jatau urged event organisers, DJs and those involved in the banned activities to stop immediately before sanctions are imposed.

He further appealed to parents and intending couples to simplify marriage arrangements, especially bridal gifts, saying this would help families avoid debt, hardship, theft and other unlawful acts associated with expensive wedding ceremonies.

Source Daily Trust