- 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.
Monday, 28 March 2011
Muslim Men in Jigawa State
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