The Sokoto State Hisbah Board has banned several wedding and celebration practices, including the presentation of biscuits, sweets and soft drinks during marriage introduction ceremonies.
The directive, which takes immediate effect, was announced on Monday by the Commander of the Sokoto State Hisbah Board, Usman Abdullahi Jatau, during a press briefing at the board's headquarters.
Jatau said the prohibited practices are inconsistent with Islamic teachings and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), adding that they encourage unnecessary expenses and undermine the state's religious and moral values.
Among the practices banned is "Na Gani In So," a traditional marriage introduction custom in which a prospective groom presents assorted gifts such as cartons of soft drinks, bottled water, biscuits, sweets and kola nuts to the bride's family.
The board also prohibited the use of DJs and Wazigidi music at ceremonies, as well as the installation of loudspeakers and excessive sound systems on tricycles.
Other practices affected by the directive include women sitting beside tricycle riders, mixed-gender entertainment gatherings, hairstyles deemed indecent for children and youths, and excessive spending on bridal gifts, popularly known as lefe.
According to Jatau, the measures are intended to encourage simpler wedding ceremonies and ensure marriages are conducted in line with 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 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," Jatau added.
The Hisbah commander also urged community leaders across Sokoto State to promote moral guidance within their communities and encourage compliance with acceptable religious values.
Describing the announcement as a final warning, Jatau called on event organisers, DJs and intending couples to discontinue the prohibited practices or face sanctions.
"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," he said.
