By Mahmoud
The Sokoto State Hisbah Board has banned a number of practices linked to weddings and social gatherings in the state, saying they run contrary to Islamic teachings and public morals.
Addressing journalists at the board’s headquarters in Sokoto on Monday, the State Commander, Malam Usman Abdullahi Jatau, said the ban takes immediate effect across the 23 local government areas. He said the board arrived at the decision after consultations with scholars and community leaders.
At the center of the directive is the popular marriage introduction custom known as “Na Gani Ina So.” Under the tradition, a suitor presents cartons of soft drinks, bottled water, biscuits, sweets and kola nuts to the bride’s family during the first formal visit. Jatau said the practice has become a financial burden and has deviated from Islamic simplicity.
The board also prohibited the use of DJs and Wazigidi music at wedding events. In addition, it banned the mounting of loudspeakers on commercial tricycles, popularly called Keke Napep, and the act of women sitting beside tricycle riders in public.
Other practices declared unlawful include mixed-gender entertainment gatherings, what the board described as indecent hairstyles for children and youths, and excessive spending on bridal gifts commonly referred to as lefe. Jatau said these activities encourage extravagance and immodesty.
“We declare that these innovations are bid’ah which are contrary to the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad SAW and they have negative consequences for any marriage conducted in such manner,” the commander said. He argued that many of the customs were cultural additions with no basis in Islam.
Jatau called on parents and intending couples to fear Allah and to conduct marriages according to the Sunnah in order to spare families debt, hardship and, in some cases, theft committed to meet social expectations. He said simplification would protect young people and reduce pressure on guardians.
The Hisbah boss issued a strong warning to defaulters. “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,” he said. He did not specify the penalties but said enforcement teams have been mobilized.
To ensure compliance, Jatau urged ward and community leaders to take responsibility for moral upbringing in their domains and to report violations to the board. He added that the Hisbah would work with religious leaders and security agencies to sensitize residents before full enforcement begins.
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