He was descending slowly from the staircase of the airplane that had just landed at the courtyard of Sultan Abubakar III International Airport in Sokoto. He was dressed in an elegant and expensive jalabiya, and on his head was a cap popularly known as Tab’ani Kasha Hadisi. At first glance, you could tell that comfort and luxury were written all over him.
When he was just two steps away from the ground, he lifted his head and let his eyes take in the sight before him. A smile escaped his lips as he saw all his relatives standing there, welcoming him with gentle smiles that clearly showed the deep joy in their hearts. His gaze finally rested on His Eminence. Immediately he stepped down completely and walked toward him cheerfully.
He bowed low in greeting, but His Eminence bent down, lifted him up, and embraced him warmly for over a minute. Afterward, he held his hand for a handshake and, with the dignity and authority befitting the Sultan of Nigeria, said:
“Assalamu Alaikum, ALI ABBAS, welcome home.”
Ali Abbas smiled at his father and replied,
“Ameen, wa Alaikumus Salam, Abi. I truly appreciate this honor.”
Their hands were still clasped when his father hugged him again, then released him and signaled for him to greet the others.
He went around exchanging greetings before turning to his closest friend, Zuhair. They embraced warmly. When His Eminence moved toward his car, everyone followed, entering the numerous vehicles that had come with palace guards and security officers to receive Ali Abbas.
---
He was warmly welcomed at the grand residence of the Sultan of Nigeria, Muhammad Lawal, located in Kanwuri, Sokoto State. It was a vast and historic palace filled with large sections that reflected Hausa culture and tradition. As everyone knows, the Sultan of Nigeria is the leader of all traditional rulers in the country. Despite his position, he was not arrogant nor did he belittle anyone, though the authority and royal dignity of the Sokoto Caliphate were unmistakable.
After eating and resting, Ali performed ablution and went to the quarters of Fulani Adama, his mother. He found her seated regally as she had always done since his childhood. His heart pounded painfully as she avoided looking at him, just as she always did. He knelt respectfully to greet her.
“Good evening, Ummi. I hope you are well.”
Without looking at him, she replied,
“Alhamdulillah, I am well, my son. I hope you returned safely.”
He felt slightly relieved that she answered him at all. They sat in silence for about five minutes before she cleared her throat and summoned her maid. Soon she rose and left with her attendants. Ali stood and left for the other wives’ quarters, where he was warmly received.
Later in his private quarters, he felt strangely restless. Life in Madinah had been beautiful and spiritually fulfilling. Though he knew he could only visit now, he missed it deeply. What saddened him most was his mother’s cold attitude. How long would she continue treating him like a stranger?
---
KADUNA, NIGERIA
Huddy was blaring her car horn impatiently at the gate while Gadanga sat calmly listening to the radio. She despised his calm demeanor and believed he was arrogant. When the gatekeeper, Baba, rushed out apologizing—saying he had been in the restroom—Huddy angrily drove in.
Gadanga later checked his Tecno phone: 1:15 PM. He performed ablution and led the prayer as usual. Afterward, Manga came with food sent by Inno.
“Yaa Gadanga, Inno sent your food.”
He thanked her warmly. She lingered shyly before telling him her father refused to allow her to continue school. She was in SS2 and desperately wanted to finish. Gadanga assured her he would speak to her father.
---
Later, Ali Abbas knelt before his father again. The Sultan asked about his journey and work. Then he said, not as a Sultan but as a father:
“Ali Abbas, you are 34 years old. What are your plans for marriage?”
Ali hesitated.
“I’m not settled yet, Abi. Soon, Insha Allah.”
The Sultan responded firmly:
“If one year passes and you haven’t found a wife, I will choose one for you.”
Ali agreed respectfully.
---
Meanwhile, Huddy constantly mistreated Gadanga, insulting him and belittling him for being under their employment. Manga, however, admired Gadanga deeply, almost like an elder brother. She even declared she would become a lawyer one day to defend people like him.
---
Two months later, the Sultan informed Ali Abbas:
“I have chosen for you the daughter of my friend, Alhaji Mubarak Hasan in Kaduna. Her name is Hudaisa. I have already sought her hand for you.”
Though inwardly troubled, Ali smiled and accepted his father’s decision.
Preparations were made in Kaduna. Huddy dressed elegantly in a milk-colored lace gown adorned with pink stones and flowers. She looked stunning.
When Ali arrived wearing his royal turban, his presence captivated everyone. He was received warmly. Hudaisa greeted him gracefully. Ali was momentarily lost admiring her until Zuhair nudged him.
They exchanged polite words before leaving for their lodge.
Outside, Manga approached innocently, greeting them cheerfully. Huddy became furious and slapped her for daring to speak to her “guests.” Ali was angered but remained silent.
The next day, Manga informed Ali that she would no longer greet him because Huddy had beaten her for it. Huddy slapped her again in front of him. This time Ali was deeply upset and left quickly without staying long.
He was descending slowly from the staircase of the airplane that had just landed at the courtyard of Sultan Abubakar III International Airport in Sokoto. He was dressed in an elegant and expensive jalabiya, and on his head was a cap popularly known as Tab’ani Kasha Hadisi. At first glance, you could tell that comfort and luxury were written all over him.
When he was just two steps away from the ground, he lifted his head and let his eyes take in the sight before him. A smile escaped his lips as he saw all his relatives standing there, welcoming him with gentle smiles that clearly showed the deep joy in their hearts. His gaze finally rested on His Eminence. Immediately he stepped down completely and walked toward him cheerfully.
He bowed low in greeting, but His Eminence bent down, lifted him up, and embraced him warmly for over a minute. Afterward, he held his hand for a handshake and, with the dignity and authority befitting the Sultan of Nigeria, said:
“Assalamu Alaikum, ALI ABBAS, welcome home.”
Ali Abbas smiled at his father and replied,
“Ameen, wa Alaikumus Salam, Abi. I truly appreciate this honor.”
Their hands were still clasped when his father hugged him again, then released him and signaled for him to greet the others.
He went around exchanging greetings before turning to his closest friend, Zuhair. They embraced warmly. When His Eminence moved toward his car, everyone followed, entering the numerous vehicles that had come with palace guards and security officers to receive Ali Abbas.
---
He was warmly welcomed at the grand residence of the Sultan of Nigeria, Muhammad Lawal, located in Kanwuri, Sokoto State. It was a vast and historic palace filled with large sections that reflected Hausa culture and tradition. As everyone knows, the Sultan of Nigeria is the leader of all traditional rulers in the country. Despite his position, he was not arrogant nor did he belittle anyone, though the authority and royal dignity of the Sokoto Caliphate were unmistakable.
After eating and resting, Ali performed ablution and went to the quarters of Fulani Adama, his mother. He found her seated regally as she had always done since his childhood. His heart pounded painfully as she avoided looking at him, just as she always did. He knelt respectfully to greet her.
“Good evening, Ummi. I hope you are well.”
Without looking at him, she replied,
“Alhamdulillah, I am well, my son. I hope you returned safely.”
He felt slightly relieved that she answered him at all. They sat in silence for about five minutes before she cleared her throat and summoned her maid. Soon she rose and left with her attendants. Ali stood and left for the other wives’ quarters, where he was warmly received.
Later in his private quarters, he felt strangely restless. Life in Madinah had been beautiful and spiritually fulfilling. Though he knew he could only visit now, he missed it deeply. What saddened him most was his mother’s cold attitude. How long would she continue treating him like a stranger?
---
KADUNA, NIGERIA
Huddy was blaring her car horn impatiently at the gate while Gadanga sat calmly listening to the radio. She despised his calm demeanor and believed he was arrogant. When the gatekeeper, Baba, rushed out apologizing—saying he had been in the restroom—Huddy angrily drove in.
Gadanga later checked his Tecno phone: 1:15 PM. He performed ablution and led the prayer as usual. Afterward, Manga came with food sent by Inno.
“Yaa Gadanga, Inno sent your food.”
He thanked her warmly. She lingered shyly before telling him her father refused to allow her to continue school. She was in SS2 and desperately wanted to finish. Gadanga assured her he would speak to her father.
---
Later, Ali Abbas knelt before his father again. The Sultan asked about his journey and work. Then he said, not as a Sultan but as a father:
“Ali Abbas, you are 34 years old. What are your plans for marriage?”
Ali hesitated.
“I’m not settled yet, Abi. Soon, Insha Allah.”
The Sultan responded firmly:
“If one year passes and you haven’t found a wife, I will choose one for you.”
Ali agreed respectfully.
---
Meanwhile, Huddy constantly mistreated Gadanga, insulting him and belittling him for being under their employment. Manga, however, admired Gadanga deeply, almost like an elder brother. She even declared she would become a lawyer one day to defend people like him.
---
Two months later, the Sultan informed Ali Abbas:
“I have chosen for you the daughter of my friend, Alhaji Mubarak Hasan in Kaduna. Her name is Hudaisa. I have already sought her hand for you.”
Though inwardly troubled, Ali smiled and accepted his father’s decision.
Preparations were made in Kaduna. Huddy dressed elegantly in a milk-colored lace gown adorned with pink stones and flowers. She looked stunning.
When Ali arrived wearing his royal turban, his presence captivated everyone. He was received warmly. Hudaisa greeted him gracefully. Ali was momentarily lost admiring her until Zuhair nudged him.
They exchanged polite words before leaving for their lodge.
Outside, Manga approached innocently, greeting them cheerfully. Huddy became furious and slapped her for daring to speak to her “guests.” Ali was angered but remained silent.
The next day, Manga informed Ali that she would no longer greet him because Huddy had beaten her for it. Huddy slapped her again in front of him. This time Ali was deeply upset and left quickly without staying long.