Ciki Da Gaskiya Littafi Na Daya Complete Hausa Novels

The Family Meeting After the Seventh-Day Prayer

Today marked the seventh-day prayer for Malam Abubakar. After everything settled, his siblings organized a family meeting.

No one was at ease until about 1:43 p.m., when everyone had gathered. Relatives from near and far sat down, each in their place, leaving only the siblings—his younger and elder brothers and sisters.

The elder, M. Bilyamin, began by greeting them. He offered a long prayer for the late Malam Abubakar and for all the departed Muslims before moving on to a lengthy explanation about inheritance, settling the deceased’s debts, and fulfilling whatever obligations he left behind. He advised them and reminded them of the importance of maintaining family ties and continually praying for their father, explaining how properly managing his legacy would benefit them.

Softening his voice and looking at them one by one, he said,

“Please bear with what I am about to say, especially you mothers. I know every mother wishes to live together with her children, but destiny has separated them—not by choice. As I see it, today they will be separated from you again. This is the greatest favor we can do for you, and it is how we will show our love to our late brother: after the earth has closed over his eyes, we take responsibility for the children he left behind.”

Anxiety was visible on the mothers’ faces, as well as on the children’s.

M. Bilyamin continued, “We will not take all of them, but we will take the younger ones, because they need our care the most. As you know, Jafar and Murtala are mature enough, and they should stay to take care of their mothers. They are not yet strong enough to carry the burden of their younger siblings, even though they are 24 and 26 years old.

Fadeela and Hafsat will also remain with their mothers since their weddings are just one month and one week away.

But Sadiya, Rufaida, and Aysha will come with me. Sadiq (Abba) will go to Asma’u, and Ummulkhairi will go to Ahmad. May Allah make this decision right and may you support me.”

They all responded in agreement, and M. Bilyamin felt pleased.

Suddenly, Gwaggo Bintu’s intense crying interrupted them. Through tears she said,

“Brother Bilya, why are you leaving me out? Why won’t you give me even one child from our elder brother’s lineage? Do you still not accept my repentance? Do you still look down on me like before? In my opinion, I need these children more than anyone—if only because I have never had a child. But anyway, I won’t make excuses.”

She stood up, wiping her tears, saying she would leave and praying that Allah forgive their late brother.

As she was about to go, Malam Bilyamin stopped her.

“Bintu!”

She froze, still wiping her tears.

“Come back and sit down.”

Without protest, she returned to her seat.

Gently, he said,

“Be patient, Bintu. I did not deny you a child, but I was considering that you do not have your own permanent home—you are still living in your husband’s house. We truly sympathize with your childlessness, but we know Allah is the Giver. Perhaps your childlessness is a blessing in disguise.”

She nodded, wiping her tears.

“I agree with you, brother, and I accept your reasoning. But the issue of my situation should not be a problem. In the house of Alhaji Abdallah Jigawa, I lack nothing. I have a good status like any married woman. The household has strong upbringing and discipline; if I take one of these children there, there will be no regret. Alhaji Abdallah treats orphans like his own children. For Allah’s sake, have mercy on me and give me one child so I too can feel some joy, since Allah has destined me to be the only one separated among you.”

Her words deeply touched them. They knew that if they denied her, people would criticize them for not sharing the same mother with her (for Bintu shared the same father with Malam Bilyamin, but had a different mother—she was the only one born to her mother in that household).

With a deep sigh, Malam Bilyamin said,

“Alright. You may take one. Who do you choose?”

Immediately, Gwaggo Bintu replied,

“Aysha, brother.”

Aysha and her mother felt their hearts drop in fear.

Even Malam Bilyamin was surprised, because everyone knew that Gwaggo Bintu and Aysha’s mother were not on good terms.

When they fell silent, Gwaggo Bintu asked,

“Brother, is there a problem?”

Quickly, Malam Bilyamin responded,

“No, Bintu. She is yours. May Allah help you in raising her.”

Everyone said, “Ameen.”

Everyone except Aysha and her mother—who were overcome with deep anxiety…

Why is no one willing to give Aysha to Gwaggo Bintu? Who is Alhaji Abdallah Jigawa? What is her connection to that household? If Aysha goes there, what kind of life will she have? Is the family’s upbringing truly as good as Bintu claims?

And above all—will Aysha agree to go with Gwaggo Bintu to Alhaji Abdallah Jigawa’s house? Why did Gwaggo Bintu choose Aysha in the first place?

Yours always,

Bilkeesa Ibraheem Musa (Bilyn Abdul).