Use headless mannequins to advertise clothes; cover their breast and bottoms - Kano Islamic Police tells traders

Weeks after banning the use of mannequins in the state, officials of the Islamic police force aka Hisbah, in Kano state have given approval for traders in the state to use mannequins, however with very stiff conditions.

According to Hisbah officials, traders are allowed to only use headless mannequins to advertise clothing. This, it said, is because Islamic doctrines are against idolatry.

Speaking to newsmen, the commander of Hisbah in the state, Haruna Ibn-Sina, said

"Islam frowns on idolatry. With the head on, it looks like a human being."

Ibn-Sina also said traders are expected to cover up their headless mannequins at all times because to show "the shape of the breast, the shape of the bottom, is contrary to the teachings of Sharia [Islamic law]".

Reacting to this new directive, traders at Sabon Gari, a Christian-dominated part of Kano state, expressed their displeasure with the Hisbah's order.

A shop owner, Chinedu Anya, who spoke to Sahara Reporters, said displaying clothes on headless mannequins would reduce their attractiveness to passers-by and affect his business.

However, while some Muslims in Kano back the order, a handful of younger Muslims have noted that Hisbah's interpretation of some of the teachings of Islam, such as on mannequins, is wrong.

"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.