Muslim Men in Jigawa State

These young men are actually from Kano State (a neighbouring state). They are posing in an English fashion, i.e. smiling - Nigerian's normally just keep a straight face.

• Every morning when the men greet they shake hands very enthusiastically and pat each other on the back. You may still find them shaking hands five minutes later.



• If a joke is told, they shake hands very hard with the person who told the joke or anyone close to them.



• Men wear very long (down to their ankles) kaftans or shirts, usually in a light colour, that they hitch up when they sit down. This must be accompanied by a cap to be seen as respectable.



• You can easily find men and boys dressed in pink or purple or wearing very flowery prints!



• Men are not allowed to shake hands with women.



• Men do not eat with women.



• Do not be surprised to see men walking and holding hands! (But never a male and female holding hands.) Females too walk about holding hands with each other.



• In Kano some men (see photo) lead a workshop for female teachers. They are not allowed to sit at the tables with the females. They cannot even stand in the circle with them when teaching them a game.



• Muslim men can have up to 4 wives. It is very important for them to treat each wife equally.



• It is common for Muslim men not to let their wives leave the house unless it is an emergency, for example, to visit the hospital.



• It is the man’s job to shop in the market to buy food and supplies.



• Men are the ‘masters of the house.’ They are in charge of everything.



• Men never cook.



• They love to hold babies and young children, even if not their own.