They explain that lashings are meant to serve as highly regulated public humiliations not brutal punishments. The executioner shall hold the whip with the last three fingers. Custom dictates that the executioner holds a book under the arm with the whip to further reduce the force of the blow. Whips, made from an arm's length strip of stiff cowhide, are sold in most markets and commonly used by public school teachers and parents here to discipline children. Ibrahim Magazu's village headman would not permit this reporter to interview her, her parents, or her neighbors, but insisted the punishment requirements were met.
Muslim leaders argue that amputations are similarly misunderstood.
Amputation is reserved for only the most egregious theft cases. Since sharia law was brought back to Zamfara in January 2000, only one criminal has received the punishment. Traders in the market use specially marked measurement cups approved by the government to prevent cheating. Women use female-only taxis to get around town. And everyone is supposed to dress modestly.