The Sokoto State Hisbah Board on Monday, July 27th, announced that it had banned some customs that are part of weddings and celebrations.
TheNewsGuru reports that Usman Abdullahi Jatau, the commander of the Sokoto Hisbah Board, announced the new rule on Monday during a press briefing at the board’s headquarters, where he explained that these banned customs go against Islamic teachings and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
He said they also weaken the state’s religious and moral values, adding that the ban takes effect immediately.
One of the banned customs is “Na Gani In So.” In this tradition, a groom-to-be gives gifts like cartons of soft drinks, bottled water, biscuits, sweets, and kola nuts to the bride’s family.
The board has also banned DJs and Wazigidi music at ceremonies, as well as the use of loudspeakers and large sound systems on tricycles.
Other banned activities include women sitting next to tricycle riders, mixed-gender entertainment events, hairstyles considered inappropriate for children and young people, and spending too much on bridal gifts, which are called lefe.
Jatau explained that these measures aim to promote morality and protect the state’s religious and cultural values.
The Hisbah commander encouraged parents, couples planning to marry, and their families to avoid the banned practices and hold weddings according to Islamic teachings.
“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.
“We call on the families of both the bride and groom, as well as parents, to fear Allah and desist from these practices.”
He warned that the board would strictly enforce the new directives whenever violations are reported.
“The board will carry out its responsibilities whenever these prohibited practices are taking place, especially when we are called upon to intervene,” he added.
Jatau also urged community leaders throughout Sokoto to provide stronger moral guidance and help residents maintain respected religious values.
He described the announcement as a final warning and told event organisers, DJs, and others involved in banned activities to stop right away or face penalties.
“We ask parents and couples planning to marry to keep bridal gifts simple, avoid unnecessary displays, and hold weddings according to the Sunnah. This way, families can avoid debt, hardship, theft, and other problems that sometimes happen during wedding preparations,” Jatau said.