The Sokoto State Hisbah Board has announced an immediate ban on several wedding and social practices across the state, declaring them inconsistent with Islamic teachings and warning that violators will face sanctions.
Hisbah Commander Malam Usman Abdullahi Jatau announced the directives at the board’s headquarters in Sokoto, describing the measures as part of efforts to preserve the state’s religious and moral values.
Among the practices prohibited is the traditional pre-wedding introduction ceremony known as “Na Gani In So“, during which a prospective groom presents gift items, including cartons of soft drinks, bottled water, biscuits, sweets and kola nuts, to the family of his intended bride.
The board also outlawed the use of DJs and Wazigidi music at ceremonies, mixed-gender entertainment gatherings, and what it described as indecent hairstyles among children and youths.
Other restrictions include the mounting of loudspeakers and heavy sound systems on commercial tricycles, popularly known as Keke Napep, women sitting beside tricycle riders, and excessive spending on bridal gifts, locally referred to as lefe.
Jatau said the banned practices constitute bid’ah, or religious innovations, which he maintained depart from the teachings and traditions of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
“We declare that these innovations, 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 issued what he described as a final warning to DJs, event organisers and others involved in facilitating the prohibited activities, urging them to discontinue the practices immediately.
“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,” Jatau warned.
He also appealed to parents and intending couples to simplify marriage arrangements by reducing the cost of bridal gifts and avoiding extravagant ceremonies, arguing that excessive wedding expenses often leave families in debt and, in some instances, encourage criminal behaviour.
“We call on parents and intending couples to simplify bridal gifts, avoid unnecessary showmanship and conduct marriages according to the Sunnah so that husbands, wives and their families can be spared debt, hardship, theft and other unlawful acts committed in the course of organising weddings,” he added.
Jatau further called on community and ward leaders to strengthen moral supervision within their communities and ensure the proper upbringing of young people.
The board said the new directives take immediate effect and will be enforced whenever violations are reported or observed.