The Kano State Hisbah Police has approved the use of mannequins by traders in the state, but not without stringent conditions.
This comes weeks after the Islamic police banned the use of mannequins in the state, saying the display of the objects in shops is against Islam.
Addressing journalists in Kano, Haruna Ibn-Sina, commander of Hisbah in the state, said traders are only allowed to use headless mannequins to advertise clothing.
He argued that Islamic doctrines are against idolatry.
“Islam frowns on idolatry. With the head on, it looks like a human being”, he said.
Ibn-Sina also stated that traders are expected to cover up their headless mannequins at all times, adding that to show “the shape of the breast, the shape of the bottom, is contrary to the teachings of Sharia [Islamic law].”
SaharaReporters said traders in Sabon Gari, a Christian-dominated part of the state, have expressed displeasure over the new directive by Hisbah.
A shop owner, Chinedu Anya, lamented that displaying clothes on headless mannequins will reduce their attractiveness to passers-by and affect his business.
However, while some Muslims in the state have backed the order, a handful of younger Muslims have noted that Hisbah’s interpretation of some teachings of Islam, such as the use of mannequins, is wrong, the publication said.
“Islam forbids idolatry but the hadith [teachings of Prophet Muhammad] is clear on Allah judging your intentions. Unless you are bowing down to a mannequin, it can’t be seen as a sin,” a Muslim cleric was quoted as saying.
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