YARIMA SUHAIL

COMPLETE HAUSA NOVELS

DESCRIPTION BOOK

The town of Gazban is a blessed and populous city, one of the towns widely admired. It has a grand palace known for its magnificence and beauty. The town’s ruler, King Umar, is a fair and just king; no matter how wealthy one is, they cannot mistreat the underprivileged without him taking action. He greatly loves his people, and they love him in return. Amazingly, despite being nearly 76 years old, he looks no older than 50; there are no signs of aging on him. His wealth is immense, his authority far-reaching, and this grand palace is unrivaled in its glory.

• King Umar has one wife, the elder Dada, but despite his vast wealth and power, he only has two sons: Ahmad, the elder, and his younger brother Abbas. The two brothers grew up together and share a deep bond.

However, according to the town’s rules, if a king sits on the throne for over forty years, his son cannot inherit the throne; instead, the eldest male grandchild takes it. If there is no male grandchild, then the king’s son assumes the throne.

• When his sons came of age, King Umar chose wives for them. Ahmad married Bilkisu, the daughter of the King of Agadez, while Abbas married Sadiya, the daughter of his late brother. Each was provided with their own quarters within the grand palace.

The two couples lived peacefully, with Bilkisu being a patient, generous woman loved by the people, while Sadiya was quite the opposite. She disliked mingling with commoners and only tolerated them because her husband was strict with her. Still, she was determined to be the first to bear a male child.

• Unfortunately for Sadiya, Bilkisu became pregnant first, and Sadiya grew anxious, as she hadn’t even missed a period. After ten months, Bilkisu gave birth to a baby girl. The whole palace celebrated, including Sadiya, who was relieved that it wasn’t a boy.

The naming ceremony was a grand celebration. Wealth was lavishly spent, as the people of Gazban and Agadez joined in the festivities. The baby girl was named Asma’u after Dada but was called Husna.

• Three years later, Bilkisu gave birth again, this time to a beautiful baby boy who resembled his mother. The king and the people were overjoyed. King Umar gave large amounts of charity in celebration of this birth.

Meanwhile, Sadiya couldn’t hide her bitterness. She went to her husband’s quarters and found him on the phone, joyfully informing others of the good news. She sat beside him, watching him with displeasure until he finished the call. With a smile, he asked, “Is there something you need, Sultana?”

Turning away, Sultana Sadiya replied, “Long may you live, but why are you so happy just because your brother’s wife gave birth to a boy? Remember, it is his son who will inherit the throne after the king’s death.”

With surprise, Sultan Abbas looked at her and asked, “Sultana, are you truly envious of my brother?”

• “What would I be envious of?” she replied, frowning. “You’re just so joyful while I haven’t even missed a period, and we still have no child. Ideally, our son should be the one to inherit the throne.”

Sultan Abbas simply watched her in shock as she spoke, and when she finished, he said, “Sultana, understand that I love my brother sincerely. I don’t care if his son inherits the throne; after all, he is still my son too. And as for having children, remember that it is God who gives to whomever He wills and withholds from whomever He wills. I haven’t given up hope; if it’s destined, I will have my descendants too. So, please, don’t let me hear such talk from you again.”

• Standing up angrily, Sultana replied, “I knew you’d never understand. Someday, you’ll see what I mean.” She stormed out of the room, leaving Sultan Abbas to shake his head in frustration, muttering, “May God guide you, Sadiya.”

On the naming day of their son, he was named Umar after the king, but they called him Suhail. Suhail grew up surrounded by love and care from his parents and grandparents. Even Sultan Abbas adored him, though Sadiya, in her heart, despised him and wished him harm, only showing affection when in Dada’s presence.

• By the age of three, Suhail was already close to his grandfather, who often summoned him to sit by his side at the palace.

Two years later, Sadiya finally became pregnant, to the joy of the family, especially Sultan Ahmad. Sultana Sadiya received much care and attention from the king, her husband, and even Bilkisu, who treated her well. Sadiya prayed earnestly that she would give birth to a son. At the same time, Bilkisu was also carrying a small child.