Sokoto Hisbah Outlaws ‘Marriage Introduction Gifts’, Wedding DJs

The Sokoto State Hisbah Board has announced a ban on a number of practices associated with weddings and other social gatherings, saying they are contrary to Islamic teachings and societal morals.

The ban, which takes immediate effect, covers the practice popularly known as “Na Gani In So”, a marriage introduction custom in which a suitor presents assorted gift items such as cartons of soft drinks, bottled water, biscuits, sweets and kola nuts to the prospective bride’s family as well as DJ and Wazigidi music at ceremonies.

The board also prohibited the mounting of loudspeakers and excessive sound systems on tricycles (Keke Napep), women sitting beside tricycle riders, mixed-gender gatherings for entertainment, what it described as indecent hairstyles for children and youths, excessive spending on bridal gifts (lefe), and other practices it considers contrary to the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Addressing journalists at the board’s headquarters in Sokoto on Monday, 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.

“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.

Jatau called on parents, intending couples and members of both families to fear Allah and avoid practices 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.

He warned that the board would strictly enforce the directives.

“The board will carry out its responsibilities whenever these prohibited practices are taking place, especially when we are called upon to intervene,” he said.

The Hisbah commander also urged community leaders across the state to play a greater role in promoting moral values.

“We want community leaders in every ward and locality to discharge the responsibility entrusted to them by ensuring proper moral upbringing of the people under their leadership,” he said.

Describing the announcement as a final warning, Jatau urged event organisers, DJs and others involved in the banned practices to stop 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,” he said.

He further appealed to parents and intending couples to simplify marriage arrangements, particularly bridal gifts.

“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,” Jatau added. (Daily trust)