A major change has been introduced to wedding celebrations in Sokoto State after the Hisbah Board announced a sweeping ban on several popular practices.
The directive, which takes immediate effect, is expected to affect how weddings and other social events are organised across the state.
However, the Hisbah Board insists the decision is aimed at protecting Islamic values and encouraging simpler marriage ceremonies that follow the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
The Sokoto Hisbah wedding ban also targets customs that have become common over the years. Moreover, officials warned that anyone who ignores the new directives could face sanctions once violations are reported.
Speaking during a press briefing at the board’s headquarters, the Commander of the Sokoto State Hisbah Board, Malam Usman Abdullahi Jatau, said the affected practices are inconsistent with Islamic teachings and should no longer be part of marriage ceremonies or public celebrations.
Among the banned activities is the popular marriage introduction known as “Na Gani In So,” where a prospective groom presents cartons of soft drinks, bottled water, biscuits, sweets and kola nuts to the bride’s family before marriage.
In addition, the board prohibited the use of DJs and Wazigidi music at ceremonies. Loudspeakers mounted on tricycles were also banned.
Furthermore, women sitting beside tricycle riders, mixed-gender entertainment events, hairstyles considered indecent for children and youths, and excessive spending on bridal gifts, popularly called lefe, have all been outlawed.
Jatau explained that the measures were introduced to preserve Sokoto’s religious and cultural values. According to him, marriages should be conducted in line with Islamic principles instead of customs regarded as innovations.
“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.
He also appealed to parents and intending couples to embrace modest weddings and avoid practices that could create unnecessary financial pressure.
“We call on the families of both the bride and groom, as well as parents, to fear Allah and desist from these practices.”
Meanwhile, the commander made it clear that the board is ready to enforce the directive whenever complaints are received. He stressed that compliance is expected from event organisers, DJs, families and everyone involved in wedding ceremonies.
“The board will carry out its responsibilities whenever these prohibited practices are taking place, especially when we are called upon to intervene,” he added.
Describing the announcement as a final warning, Jatau urged residents to stop engaging in the banned activities before enforcement begins. Therefore, community leaders were encouraged to support the campaign by educating residents on acceptable religious practices.
Moreover, he advised couples to reduce extravagant wedding expenses, especially on bridal gifts. According to him, simpler ceremonies can help families avoid debt, hardship and other problems linked to costly celebrations.
“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 said.
