Muslims in Jalingo, Taraba State, have been prohibited from holding any form of wedding celebrations.
The ban covers events such as Kauyawa Day (Villagers’ Day) and Ajo parties, where young men and women often dress in torn clothes and engage in dances that usually last from evening until night under the guise of wedding festivities.
The ban was jointly agreed upon by all the imams in Jalingo under the Muslim Council of Taraba State together with traditional rulers and with the support of authorities.
The ban was the main subject of sermon (Khuduba) delivered by all imams of Jummat mosques in Jalingo, during last Friday prayers.
The ban, which was conveyed by Imam Tajudeen Nuhu, the Chief Imam of Mayo Gwoi Jummat Mosque, Jalingo on behalf of Taraba Muslim council said, “Henceforth, it is forbidden for any household to hold ‘Kauyawa,’ parties, ‘Ajo,’ or any form of celebration during weddings here in Jalingo.”
The council warned that any Muslim that violates the ban, no imam will officiate the marriage contract (Nikah) in his house.
The ban also stopped imams or clerics from offering funeral prayers (Salat al-Janazah) when death occurs in the households of those that violate the order.
Similarly, no scholar, male or female, will attend to deliver wedding Islamic lectures as well as naming ceremony in the house of any person that violates the order.
Imams and clerics were however warned that any of them that participate in funeral, naming ceremony in the household of those who violate this ruling will face disciplinary action, including removal from their position as imam.
This ruling was jointly agreed upon by all the imams in Jalingo under the Muslim Council, together with traditional rulers and with the support of the authorities.
The Muslim council therefore advised all Muslims in Jalingo to comply with the new ruling which was aimed at installing sanity, fear of God and discipline among Muslim community.
