THE Sokoto State Hisbah Board has announced an immediate ban on several wedding and social gathering practices, including the use of DJs, the popular marriage introduction ceremony known as “Na Gani In So,” mixed-gender entertainment and extravagant bridal gifts, describing them as un-Islamic innovations.
News Point Nigeria reports that the board also prohibited the use of Wazigidi music at ceremonies, loudspeakers mounted on tricycles, women sitting beside tricycle riders, what it described as indecent hairstyles among children and youths, as well as excessive spending on bridal gifts, popularly known as lefe.
The Commander of the Sokoto State Hisbah Board, Malam Usman Abdullahi Jatau, announced the directive during a press briefing in Sokoto on Tuesday, saying the measures were introduced to safeguard the state’s religious and moral values in line with Islamic teachings.
According to Jatau, the marriage introduction ceremony popularly known as “Na Gani In So,” in which prospective grooms present assorted gifts such as soft drinks, bottled water, biscuits, sweets and kola nuts to the bride’s family, has no basis in the teachings of Islam.
“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,” Jatau said.
The Hisbah commander urged intending couples, parents and family members to embrace simplicity in marriage ceremonies and avoid practices capable of placing unnecessary financial burdens on families.
“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.
Jatau warned that the Hisbah Board would strictly enforce the directive against anyone found violating the new regulations.
“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 warned.
He further advised prospective couples to reduce the cost of marriage by avoiding excessive expenditure on lefe, noting that lavish wedding ceremonies often leave young families burdened with debt and financial hardship.
