Dedicated to Batul Mamman (Mrs) 💖 In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful The lecture was ongoing, but her mind was completely detached from what was being taught. She fixed her eyes on the lecturer, mimicking the expression of someone who understood the core of the subject. The bell chimed to signal a change of instructors. The moment he stepped out, she rose immediately to follow behind him. Hadiza, who had been closely monitoring her state, followed immediately after her. Moving a safe distance away from their classroom, she found a secluded alleyway and halted. Tears began streaming down her cheeks. Suddenly, she felt a comforting hand on her shoulder. Upon seeing Hadiza, she burst into deep, heavy sobs, sliding down to sit on a nearby rock. As she wept intensely, Hadiza remained silent, allowing her to vent. Once the crying subsided on its own, Hadiza gently intervened, "Come on, Haneefah, no matter what happened, you have to accept it with patience and keep praying. It's already in the past, and crying or worrying won't serve as a solution." Haneefah let out a bitter smile, looked at her close friend, and replied, "Hadiza, it isn't Nazir's issue that is weighing on me. I know I loved him, and he deceived me by marrying someone else. It is my father's situation. Up until now, I don't know what to do to please him. They have turned my father against me; he constantly sees fault in everything I do. I don't even know how to clear my name anymore." Filled with deep sympathy, Hadiza reassured her, "Do not worry, Allah is with you. No matter how long a dark night lasts, the truth will eventually come to light. What I want from you now is to calm your mind and focus squarely on your studies. By Allah's grace, this trial will soon become history." With these comforting words, Hadiza managed to soothe her mind, and they both returned to the classroom. Alhaji Hamisu was Haneefah's father, and Umma Salamatu was her mother. They were natives of Kano city. He had two wives: Hajiya Hafsa (known as Inna) and Salamatu (known as Umma). Inna had eight children—five daughters and three sons:
Salim (her firstborn)
Bilkisu
Zainab
Jibril
Zuwaira
Ibrahim
Shukra
Sadiya Umma’s children were Nana Khadija (the eldest daughter), followed by Ahmad, Haneefah, and her two younger sisters, Amal and Bintu. Alhaji Hamisu was a just man between his wives and children. He was reasonably well-off as a civil servant. He had no greater ambition than to see his children thoroughly educated, not necessarily to become prominent figures, but because he understood that in today's world, education is vital to human existence. However, Inna constantly indulged her children, backing them to do whatever they pleased. Consequently, they never focused their minds on acquiring an education; they were always busy chasing girls. Her daughters barely managed to finish their secondary school education before being married off, leaving only their younger sisters, Shukra and Sadiya. Similarly, her sons lacked any interest in schooling, insisting instead on getting married early, and they were settled into marriages, with the exception of Ibrahim. Alhaji Hamisu felt a constant sense of regret over his children's lifestyle, because he loved education and valued its worth, but there was nothing he could do since that was the path they chose for themselves. On the other hand, Umma was a working class woman—a woman of virtue who despised idle gossip. She stood firm on giving her children proper upbringing and a solid education. Because of this, she held a special place in her husband's heart. This favored position provoked her co-wife, Inna, who vowed to tear their household apart. By Allah's decree, around that time, Alhaji retired from active service. Life shifted to a modest pace—stable today, uncertain tomorrow. Consequently, he had to transfer his children from private schools to public government schools. Umma was one of only two children born to her parents, her older sister being Hajiya Lubna. When they were quite young, their father passed away, leaving their mother to shoulder the burden of their education. Lubna completed her schooling, found a husband, and got married. Her husband secured a job for her in the Ministry of Education, which gave her the financial footing to take in her younger sister, Umma, enabling her to continue her studies until she too found a husband and married. Lubna had seven children—four sons (Auwal, Sadiq, Musa, and Khalifa) and three daughters (Muhibbat, Humaira, and Amina). Auwal, Muhibbat, and Humaira were already married with children of their own. Despite the immense wealth Allah had blessed them with, it never spoiled them; they all grew up well-mannered and disciplined. Furthermore, it was both Umma and Mama's ultimate wish to see their lineage tightly united. By Allah's grace, the cousins grew up sharing a deep bond of mutual affection. Haneefah was a 17-year-old girl—obedient, intelligent, and naturally humorous. She despised disrespect, neither tolerating it from others nor extending it to anyone. She was quick to anger but equally quick to calm down, possessing a highly inquisitive mind regarding any goal she set out to achieve, backed by sound intellect. She loved dressing up and mastering all the refinements expected of a young woman, holding a deep affection for everything related to feminine care. She was neither extraordinarily beautiful nor plain; rather, she possessed a hereditary grace that shone brightly because she was highly skilled at enhancing her looks with makeup. Haneefah was the darling of her mother and siblings, who cherished her deeply. Because of this, she held them in the highest regard; her constant desire was to make them happy, and it was rare to see any misunderstanding arise between them because her ultimate goal was unity. She had an endearing personality that easily crept into people's hearts; wherever she stayed, she drew crowds due to her vibrant and pleasant demeanor. It was this exact trait, once noticed by Inna, that made the co-wife direct her malicious focus toward Haneefah in a bid to ruin her life. Inna and her children displayed overt jealousy toward Umma. Despite this, Umma initially ignored her, until she noticed them trying to interfere in her children's lives, at which point she began putting her foot down. Even so, Inna succeeded in tarnishing Haneefah's reputation in the eyes of her father. No matter what Haneefah did, it failed to impress her father, a situation that deeply distressed her, coupled with her half-siblings who constantly gave her a hard time. Nevertheless, there were times she refused to go easy on them, making them fear her boundaries. It was during this period that she began a relationship with a young man named Nazir. She loved him deeply, as he was exceptionally handsome. She cherished him profoundly, even though he belonged to the type of men incapable of genuine devotion. In the end, he married someone else. Despite the pain the heartbreak caused her, she discarded his memory entirely, vowing never to trust another man again... Yet, her overriding ambition remained mending her relationship with her father.
Dr HANEEFAH (Chapter 2)
Dedicated to Batul Mamman (Mrs) 💖 It was a large house, but each family unit had been allocated its own separate entrance from the main gate. School had dismissed for the day, and she had gathered her younger siblings so they could walk home together, since the distance between their house and the school wasn't far. Just as they arrived at the entrance of the house, she spotted Yaya Jabir and his friend standing nearby, their eyes bloodshot. It was painfully obvious from their demeanor that they were abusing drugs. She shook her head in sheer disappointment, muttered, "May Allah reform you," and headed into their section of the house, while Shukra and the others entered theirs. After she went inside, Sahabi turned to his friend Jabir and said, "My friend, what is the latest update regarding Haneefah? You seem to completely brush me off whenever I bring up her matter." Thoroughly intoxicated, Jabir replied, "I originally wanted her to complete her schooling first since she is currently in SS3. But since you are putting pressure on me, go ahead and reach an understanding with her. We can arrange the wedding once she graduates." Filled with excitement, Sahabi replied, "Alright then, I am grateful." As he turned around to leave, Jabir added, "Come back later, immediately after the Maghrib prayer is observed." "I'll be back," Sahabi promised. Wearing a wicked grin, Jabir retreated into their house. She returned home exhausted after their Islamic school session dismissed, finding her older sister in the kitchen preparing a meal. She greeted her, "Kudos to your efforts, Dr. You didn't return home early today." Nana replied, "Don't even mention it. We started our hospital clinical rotations today, which is why it dragged into the evening. I suspect this is how my routine will be from now on." Haneefah gasped, "Goodness! So you can actually spend the whole day at the hospital? I swear I could never do that." Teasing her, Nana countered, "Oh really, Accountant Haneefah?" Knitting her brows together, Haneefah argued, "But you all insisted I must become a doctor too! Must we all converge in the exact same profession? It makes more sense for us to study different courses." Smiling, Nana explained, "We will all be within the health line, but everyone will specialize in a distinct department, you see..." Before she could even finish her sentence, Haneefah cut her off. "As for me, I won't do it. My heart is set on becoming an accountant, whether it works out or not..." Nana simply nodded her head and went inside, laughing at her sister's stubbornness. After completing her prayers and sitting down for her post-prayer supplications (lazimi), Amal walked in and announced, "Someone is asking to see you outside." Haneefah gestured for her to wait, signaling that she was almost finished. Two minutes later, she concluded with the Fatiha prayer and asked with a hint of apprehension, "Who is it?" "Yaya Jabir's friend," Amal replied, much to her surprise. Haneefah stepped out and extended a greeting, which he accepted with immense delight. He began, "I know you'll be surprised to see me, but it shouldn't be a shock. I love you, and I came here with the intention of marriage." Just as she opened her mouth to respond, she heard the main gate click open. The cold, disapproving stare her father gave her upon walking in sent a wave of panic through her. He said absolutely nothing to her and walked past. Filled with deep frustration, she turned to Sahabi and snapped, "I swear you are just lucky! Don't you have any shame whatsoever, coming here to claim you love me? I swear to Allah, if I ever see your feet in this house again..." She tossed her head dismissively and stormed inside. Sitting on the edge of the bed, she felt completely at a loss as to what to do. A barrage of anxious thoughts flooded her mind: what kind of judgment or disciplinary action would be handed down to her now? It was in this state of distress that Nana found her. "Haneefah, what happened today? What did you see? I just took food to Abba, and he was grumbling, asking when you would ever reform. He said if it's marriage you want, you should bring forward your suitor, but that he has exhausted his duty in trying to guide you. He was furious that you even brought drug addicts to his house. I know you would never do such a thing; he must have been sent by someone." At that moment, Haneefah raised her head, her eyes brimming with tears. She forced a sad smile and said, "It's nothing. Allah is with me." Filled with deep pity, her sister consoled her, "Do not worry, a day will come when he will realize the truth." In a outburst of pent-up frustration, Haneefah asked, "When? Since I was born, has he ever truly listened to my side of a story? Whatever lie is fed to him, he accepts it wholesale. It has become a burden to obey him just to rid myself of this constant misery I am trapped in." From the moment she began speaking, Umma had fixed her eyes on her. She undoubtedly loved Haneefah, but she reposed deep trust in the excellent upbringing she had given her, knowing she was incapable of engaging in such reckless behavior. Umma walked further into the room, sat close to Haneefah, and asked, "Shall I offer you a solution?" "Yes, Umma, I will do whatever you say," Haneefah replied. Umma advised, "Then become entirely obedient to him, and draw closer to whatever brings him joy, even if he treats you harshly or upsets you. You know his ultimate happiness is to see you excel in your studies. I want you to calm your mind and study with utmost dedication to secure excellent results. Furthermore, stay united with your half-siblings, even if they do not reciprocate the affection. Most importantly, immerse yourself in prayers so that Allah grants you a peaceful resolution with him. The final piece of advice is to stop stressing yourself; learn to ignore the negativity, do you understand?" Haneefah wrapped her arms around her mother. "Insha Allah, I will do so." Umma stroked her head gently. "That's my Haneefah." From that fateful day onward, Haneefah made a solemn resolve to dedicate herself to her studies. She anchored her focus entirely on her academics, backed by intense prayers. She completely stayed out of Inna's family matters, though she had never really meddled in their affairs to begin with. Time passed swiftly, and Haneefah successfully sat for her Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE). Her results turned out to be excellent. Filled with joy, she presented them to her father, who highly commended her efforts. She then expressed her desire to pursue a career in nursing. Seeing how dedicated she had become brought him immense joy, and he promised to secure an admission for her. That day, Haneefah felt a profound sense of happiness seeing her father so pleased, and her siblings joined in celebrating her success. Alhamdulillah, she began to experience a softer attitude from her father. By Allah's grace, she secured admission into the nursing program alongside her close friend, Hadiza. Haneefah’s joy knew no bounds. Everyone offered her words of advice to stay committed to her books. Full of delight, she told her family, "Whatever your aspirations are for me, I accept them wholeheartedly; I will not let you down." And that was exactly how it played out. Both Hadiza and Haneefah worked tirelessly, deliberately avoiding making new friends because they reposed complete trust in each other. Both were deeply passionate about their education, and though many peers sought their companionship, they didn't grant anyone the opportunity. They transcended being mere best friends and became like blood sisters. Hadiza was exceptionally beautiful, easily eclipsing Haneefah in terms of looks. Ever since they were in SS1, Hadiza had taken a strong liking to Haneefah, taking a long time to win her over until they became inseparable, as Haneefah was someone who embraced everyone warmly. They successfully completed a year and a half of their program, leaving another year and a half which would be finalized through hospital clinical postings. The only significant hurdle Haneefah faced was her inability to speak English with absolute fluency. She understood it perfectly and could read and comprehend it with ease, but she couldn't sustain a long conversation in it—she could only manage spoken English in short spurts. Expressing herself verbally was a challenge, and this specific issue constantly bothered her.
Dr HANEEFAH (Chapter 3)
Dedicated to Batul Mamman (Mrs) 💖 She was sitting down, deeply engrossed in studying some medical textbooks, when Nana walked into the room. "Kudos to your hard work," Nana greeted. "Thank you," Haneefah replied curtly. "What are you looking up?" Nana inquired. Haneefah let out a small sigh of frustration. "We are heading out for hospital clinical postings tomorrow, and I suspect it will be an antenatal clinic day. You know how talkative I can be, but I dread being assigned a topic that I haven't thoroughly mastered." Nana offered, "I believe they will expect you to give a brief orientation or lecture on antenatal care. Many women register for antenatal care when they first discover they are pregnant, but only a few consistently follow through until delivery, which is a dangerous practice. Furthermore, a good number of them dislike taking their prescribed routine medications as directed, which leads to severe complications, especially during labor. It is imperative that once a woman realizes she is pregnant, she visits the hospital consistently without fail until she safely delivers. Just because we feel perfectly healthy on the outside doesn't mean we can predict when a complication might arise. Let me summarize how you can deliver the lecture effectively." "After extending your greetings and ensuring everyone is doing well, you can begin your explanation along these lines: 'We will be discussing antenatal care specifically for first-time mothers who feel perfectly healthy. Is it necessary to undergo the routine tests conducted during antenatal visits, and what exactly do these tests entail?' It is highly essential that even if you feel completely healthy, you attend the clinic to have your health monitored during pregnancy, particularly if it is your first experience. This is what we refer to as antenatal care. Let us break down the details in a reassuring manner. Antenatal care is a systemic approach utilizing various medical screenings to ensure the well-being of both mother and baby. It helps detect underlying risks associated with the pregnancy early on, managing them before they escalate into severe complications. Essentially, it serves as a preventive shield against exhaustion and distress as the pregnancy advances. It is worth noting that not every parameter is measured during your very first visit; rather, certain checks are done today, and others are scheduled for subsequent visits. For some women whose pregnancies are assessed as low-risk, extensive testing may not even be required. Here is a structured breakdown of the primary measurements taken:
Maternal Height: First, the pregnant woman's height is measured. Any woman whose height falls below 1.5\text{ meters} is statistically at a higher risk of experiencing prolonged or obstructed labor. Therefore, a prominent note is marked on her clinic card so that when she presents for delivery, the medical team is fully prepared, anticipating the possibility of prolonged labor.
Weight Gain: Next is maternal weight. If weight gain is excessive, it raises a strong suspicion that the expectant mother might be developing gestational hypertension (high blood pressure) or gestational diabetes during this period. Some women develop these conditions strictly during pregnancy even without a family history, and rapid weight gain is often the first red flag. Ideally, a pregnant woman should gain approximately 0.5\text{ kg} per week once the pregnancy begins to advance into the later stages. Any weight gain significantly exceeding this threshold indicates an underlying issue.
Fundal Height (Abdominal Measurement): Then comes the measurement of the pregnancy itself. Every week, the uterus is expected to grow by roughly 1\text{ centimeter}. Thus, it is measured to track whether the baby is growing at a normal, healthy rate. If the fundal height is significantly lower than the calculated gestational age, it implies the baby is experiencing growth restriction, prompting immediate medical intervention. Conversely, if the measurement exceeds expectations, it indicates a different underlying factor—either a multiple pregnancy (twins/triplets), an oversized baby (macrocosm, commonly seen in diabetic mothers) which can cause obstructed labor, or an excessive accumulation of amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios), which is also a sign of fetal abnormality. At this stage, an ultrasound scan is ordered to clearly visualize the status of the baby and the placenta.
Blood Pressure: Fourth, blood pressure is monitored to rule out hypertension. If elevated readings are detected, appropriate medications and lifestyle advice are administered.
Packed Cell Volume (PCV / Blood Volume): Following that, the woman is referred for a blood test to check her blood level. Due to the high demand the growing fetus places on the mother's circulatory system, every pregnant woman must have her blood level checked to ensure it is sufficient. Iron supplements or blood transfusions are prescribed depending on her specific requirements. They are strictly advised to consume iron-rich foods like meat and dark leafy greens, as they are excellent blood builders.
Blood Glucose (Sugar Level): Next, sugar levels are checked to confirm the absence of diabetes, and if detected, immediate management is initiated. It is vital to note that both gestational hypertension and gestational diabetes acquired during pregnancy can resolve after childbirth, though in some cases, they may persist.
Urinalysis: Finally, the expectant mother is required to provide a urine sample in a sterile bottle to test for chemical components. This test can reveal early indicators of pre-eclampsia (pregnancy-induced seizures) or diabetes. These constitute the foundational pillars of antenatal care. Aside from height, almost all the items outlined above are monitored repeatedly. Nearly every clinic visit requires a re-evaluation because as the pregnancy advances in age, the statistical risk of complications increases exponentially. May Allah grant you all safe journeys through pregnancy and blissful deliveries.*"
Dr HANEEFAH (Chapter 4)
Dedicated to Batul Mamman (Mrs) 💖 "Now, you must prepare yourself to answer questions from the audience, because there will definitely be some," Nana concluded. Haneefah, who had been staring at Nana in disbelief, asked, "Is this how stressful a medical career is going to be? I swear to Allah, I cannot continue along the health line. Once I advance further, I am switching to a completely different field." Nana encouraged her, "Keep pushing, my sister. The community desperately needs people like you. You are naturally compassionate, and I know you will easily put aside your personal comfort to assist others. I am certain you will make a huge impact through your service." Haneefah countered, "Is that your only reason? There are countless fields where the community needs assistance, but why must it be health?" "Because health trumps everything else," Nana insisted. Haneefah shifted the topic. "Anyway, sis, when are we going to celebrate your wedding? I swear I am so eager, especially since you are done with school." Nana replied, "There is still time. Abba wants us to pursue our education to an advanced level." Haneefah argued, "Come on, Nana! The education you have acquired so far is perfectly adequate. All that's left is for you to start working! I am immensely eager to see you fulfill his dream. If you look at the reality of this house, none of Inna's children have attained any deep level of education. Even though Abba isn't as wealthy as he used to be, he is still making tremendous sacrifices for us. I want to get married, and Umma wants that for me too, but I will put it on hold for now until I earn my MBBS." Haneefah’s eyes widened in astonishment. "You are incredibly ambitious! Is that why you don't even pay attention to suitors?" "Yes, I won't entertain anyone until I ensure everything is perfectly stable," Nana affirmed. Haneefah let out a deep sigh. "Honestly, Nana, you've attained a good level of education, so you should just thank Allah. Don't you see the current state of our country? Have you ever heard of a poor man's daughter pursuing an MBBS? That field is dominated entirely by the elite and wealthy. Besides, marriage doesn't hinder education. I am genuinely baffled by certain parents who stubbornly force their children to keep studying even when the children express a clear desire for marriage. A lot of young people suffer silently, suppressing their own valid desires just to please their parents. What exactly has Western education become to us? Look at the extreme value and weight people place on it. You will see a child who speaks fluent English and performs well academically being showered with care and adulation, while their religious education is completely neglected. A child who ought to grow up well-versed in their religion ends up knowing only Western concepts. You will find some seven-year-old children who don't even know the basic difference between Hellfire and Paradise, yet they are constantly glued to the television, knowing everything about worldly entertainment. We need to check ourselves; children should grow up with the Qur'an flowing from their lips, not stories from secular books. May Allah grant us understanding, Ameen." Nana conceded, "You speak the truth. I place my trust in Allah, and Insha Allah, once I secure admission, even if it's just Part 1, I will get married." Haneefah joked, "Well, you better not back out then!" While they were talking about their studies, Ahmad peered into the room and announced, "Come over, Umma is calling for you both." They found her seated in her room. Haneefah greeted her, "Hope you are resting well, Umma." She acknowledged the greeting warmly, "Yes, thank you." Looking at Haneefah with a pleasant smile, she continued, "The time has finally come for you to open a bank account. It is time for you to start a savings routine (adani), just like your older siblings, Nana and Ahmad. The savings you build now will undoubtedly benefit you in times of need in the future. It will be ten thousand naira every month. I know you don't care much for expensive clothes right now since you spend almost every day in your school uniform. In the future, whenever you need to purchase something, buy strictly within your financial limits. Furthermore, minimize requesting school funds from your father; only ask for what is absolutely necessary. I hope you both are listening to me carefully?" In a subdued tone, Haneefah replied, "Yes, Umma." "This way, when the time for your weddings arrives, we won't face severe financial strain, provided you maintain a habit of frugality. May Allah bless you both. You may go now." Haneefah loved her mother intensely. Whatever money Umma earned was spent entirely on her children's well-being. Haneefah knew her mother did this so they would never look covetously at other people's possessions. Even though they weren't wealthy, their mother ensured they were comfortable and lacked nothing. Honestly, parents—especially mothers—deserve immense empathy; a mother will gladly sacrifice her own happiness just to bring joy to her children. There is nothing more fitting for children to do for their parents than to make them happy and constantly remember them in prayers. The following morning, she woke up feeling a profound, unexplainable tightness in her chest. She observed her dawn prayer and performed all her usual morning acts of worship, yet the uneasy sensation in her heart persisted. She tried getting dressed for the day but found herself unable to focus on getting ready. Confused, she muttered to herself, "What could possibly be happening today?" She picked up her copy of the Holy Qur'an and sat down to recite. Gradually, she felt her heart rate steady and calm down. She then picked up her prayer beads (carbi) and engaged in supplications. After about twenty minutes, she finally stood up, finished getting dressed, and went to say goodbye to Umma. Umma handed her the money intended for opening the bank account, wished them well, and Haneefah departed. She sat quietly in the pediatric ward where she was posted, completely unable to focus on any task. She kept repeating prayers silently in her heart, feeling too restless to remain seated. Unable to bear the stillness, she stood up and headed toward her close friend Hadiza, who was posted to the labor ward. However, she couldn't bring herself to step inside, as she was prone to severe dizziness whenever she sighted blood. As she stood outside the doors, Hadiza emerged. "Ah, sister! So you're the one standing out here?" Haneefah replied, "If I step in there, you'll end up admitting me as a patient, because I will definitely faint." Hadiza burst into laughter, knowing full well her friend was capable of fainting. "What brings you out here? It isn't lunch break yet." Haneefah explained with a worried look, "I swear, I just can't seem to understand myself today. I've been feeling incredibly uneasy since morning." Deeply concerned, Hadiza asked, "Did something bad happen at home?" "No, nothing at all," Haneefah replied. Hadiza advised her to constantly recite the supplication: Innalillahi wa'inna ilaihi rajiun, Allahumma ajirni fi musibati wakhlifni khairan minha (To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return. O Allah, reward me in my affliction and requite me with something better than it). Haneefah nodded, "Insha Allah, I will keep reciting it. Thank you. I am heading to the bank now, and once I am done, I'll head straight home." Hadiza waved, "Alright, may Allah protect you on the road. Extend my regards to everyone at home." She alighted from the commercial tricycle (adaidaita sahu) that brought her, paid the driver his fare, and walked into the bank. The erratic thumping of her heart intensified. She sat down, waiting for the customers ahead of her to be served, scanning her surroundings with an increased admiration for the accounting profession. Moving toward a secluded corner near a side door, she knelt down slightly to fill out the application forms she had been given. Having finished, she prepared to stand up to submit the documents, reviewing them one last time with her eyes glued to the paperwork, completely oblivious to what lay directly in front of her. Meanwhile, a young man had just finished exchanging pleasantries with his colleague. He was heading toward the manager's office, his attention still anchored on his friend. He walked forward briskly without looking ahead, turning back slightly to wave a final goodbye to his colleague in a hurry...
Dr HANEEFAH (Chapter 1)
Dedicated to Batul Mamman (Mrs) 💖
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
The lecture was ongoing, but her mind was completely detached from what was being taught. She fixed her eyes on the lecturer, mimicking the expression of someone who understood the core of the subject. The bell chimed to signal a change of instructors. The moment he stepped out, she rose immediately to follow behind him. Hadiza, who had been closely monitoring her state, followed immediately after her.
Moving a safe distance away from their classroom, she found a secluded alleyway and halted. Tears began streaming down her cheeks. Suddenly, she felt a comforting hand on her shoulder. Upon seeing Hadiza, she burst into deep, heavy sobs, sliding down to sit on a nearby rock. As she wept intensely, Hadiza remained silent, allowing her to vent. Once the crying subsided on its own, Hadiza gently intervened, "Come on, Haneefah, no matter what happened, you have to accept it with patience and keep praying. It's already in the past, and crying or worrying won't serve as a solution."
Haneefah let out a bitter smile, looked at her close friend, and replied, "Hadiza, it isn't Nazir's issue that is weighing on me. I know I loved him, and he deceived me by marrying someone else. It is my father's situation. Up until now, I don't know what to do to please him. They have turned my father against me; he constantly sees fault in everything I do. I don't even know how to clear my name anymore."
Filled with deep sympathy, Hadiza reassured her, "Do not worry, Allah is with you. No matter how long a dark night lasts, the truth will eventually come to light. What I want from you now is to calm your mind and focus squarely on your studies. By Allah's grace, this trial will soon become history." With these comforting words, Hadiza managed to soothe her mind, and they both returned to the classroom.
Alhaji Hamisu was Haneefah's father, and Umma Salamatu was her mother. They were natives of Kano city. He had two wives: Hajiya Hafsa (known as Inna) and Salamatu (known as Umma).
Inna had eight children—five daughters and three sons:
Sadiya
Umma’s children were Nana Khadija (the eldest daughter), followed by Ahmad, Haneefah, and her two younger sisters, Amal and Bintu.
Alhaji Hamisu was a just man between his wives and children. He was reasonably well-off as a civil servant. He had no greater ambition than to see his children thoroughly educated, not necessarily to become prominent figures, but because he understood that in today's world, education is vital to human existence.
However, Inna constantly indulged her children, backing them to do whatever they pleased. Consequently, they never focused their minds on acquiring an education; they were always busy chasing girls. Her daughters barely managed to finish their secondary school education before being married off, leaving only their younger sisters, Shukra and Sadiya. Similarly, her sons lacked any interest in schooling, insisting instead on getting married early, and they were settled into marriages, with the exception of Ibrahim. Alhaji Hamisu felt a constant sense of regret over his children's lifestyle, because he loved education and valued its worth, but there was nothing he could do since that was the path they chose for themselves.
On the other hand, Umma was a working class woman—a woman of virtue who despised idle gossip. She stood firm on giving her children proper upbringing and a solid education. Because of this, she held a special place in her husband's heart. This favored position provoked her co-wife, Inna, who vowed to tear their household apart. By Allah's decree, around that time, Alhaji retired from active service. Life shifted to a modest pace—stable today, uncertain tomorrow. Consequently, he had to transfer his children from private schools to public government schools.
Umma was one of only two children born to her parents, her older sister being Hajiya Lubna. When they were quite young, their father passed away, leaving their mother to shoulder the burden of their education. Lubna completed her schooling, found a husband, and got married. Her husband secured a job for her in the Ministry of Education, which gave her the financial footing to take in her younger sister, Umma, enabling her to continue her studies until she too found a husband and married. Lubna had seven children—four sons (Auwal, Sadiq, Musa, and Khalifa) and three daughters (Muhibbat, Humaira, and Amina). Auwal, Muhibbat, and Humaira were already married with children of their own. Despite the immense wealth Allah had blessed them with, it never spoiled them; they all grew up well-mannered and disciplined. Furthermore, it was both Umma and Mama's ultimate wish to see their lineage tightly united. By Allah's grace, the cousins grew up sharing a deep bond of mutual affection.
Haneefah was a 17-year-old girl—obedient, intelligent, and naturally humorous. She despised disrespect, neither tolerating it from others nor extending it to anyone. She was quick to anger but equally quick to calm down, possessing a highly inquisitive mind regarding any goal she set out to achieve, backed by sound intellect. She loved dressing up and mastering all the refinements expected of a young woman, holding a deep affection for everything related to feminine care. She was neither extraordinarily beautiful nor plain; rather, she possessed a hereditary grace that shone brightly because she was highly skilled at enhancing her looks with makeup.
Haneefah was the darling of her mother and siblings, who cherished her deeply. Because of this, she held them in the highest regard; her constant desire was to make them happy, and it was rare to see any misunderstanding arise between them because her ultimate goal was unity. She had an endearing personality that easily crept into people's hearts; wherever she stayed, she drew crowds due to her vibrant and pleasant demeanor. It was this exact trait, once noticed by Inna, that made the co-wife direct her malicious focus toward Haneefah in a bid to ruin her life.
Inna and her children displayed overt jealousy toward Umma. Despite this, Umma initially ignored her, until she noticed them trying to interfere in her children's lives, at which point she began putting her foot down. Even so, Inna succeeded in tarnishing Haneefah's reputation in the eyes of her father. No matter what Haneefah did, it failed to impress her father, a situation that deeply distressed her, coupled with her half-siblings who constantly gave her a hard time. Nevertheless, there were times she refused to go easy on them, making them fear her boundaries.
It was during this period that she began a relationship with a young man named Nazir. She loved him deeply, as he was exceptionally handsome. She cherished him profoundly, even though he belonged to the type of men incapable of genuine devotion. In the end, he married someone else. Despite the pain the heartbreak caused her, she discarded his memory entirely, vowing never to trust another man again... Yet, her overriding ambition remained mending her relationship with her father.
Dr HANEEFAH (Chapter 2)
Dedicated to Batul Mamman (Mrs) 💖
It was a large house, but each family unit had been allocated its own separate entrance from the main gate. School had dismissed for the day, and she had gathered her younger siblings so they could walk home together, since the distance between their house and the school wasn't far. Just as they arrived at the entrance of the house, she spotted Yaya Jabir and his friend standing nearby, their eyes bloodshot. It was painfully obvious from their demeanor that they were abusing drugs. She shook her head in sheer disappointment, muttered, "May Allah reform you," and headed into their section of the house, while Shukra and the others entered theirs.
After she went inside, Sahabi turned to his friend Jabir and said, "My friend, what is the latest update regarding Haneefah? You seem to completely brush me off whenever I bring up her matter."
Thoroughly intoxicated, Jabir replied, "I originally wanted her to complete her schooling first since she is currently in SS3. But since you are putting pressure on me, go ahead and reach an understanding with her. We can arrange the wedding once she graduates."
Filled with excitement, Sahabi replied, "Alright then, I am grateful." As he turned around to leave, Jabir added, "Come back later, immediately after the Maghrib prayer is observed."
"I'll be back," Sahabi promised. Wearing a wicked grin, Jabir retreated into their house.
She returned home exhausted after their Islamic school session dismissed, finding her older sister in the kitchen preparing a meal. She greeted her, "Kudos to your efforts, Dr. You didn't return home early today."
Nana replied, "Don't even mention it. We started our hospital clinical rotations today, which is why it dragged into the evening. I suspect this is how my routine will be from now on."
Haneefah gasped, "Goodness! So you can actually spend the whole day at the hospital? I swear I could never do that."
Teasing her, Nana countered, "Oh really, Accountant Haneefah?"
Knitting her brows together, Haneefah argued, "But you all insisted I must become a doctor too! Must we all converge in the exact same profession? It makes more sense for us to study different courses."
Smiling, Nana explained, "We will all be within the health line, but everyone will specialize in a distinct department, you see..."
Before she could even finish her sentence, Haneefah cut her off. "As for me, I won't do it. My heart is set on becoming an accountant, whether it works out or not..." Nana simply nodded her head and went inside, laughing at her sister's stubbornness.
After completing her prayers and sitting down for her post-prayer supplications (lazimi), Amal walked in and announced, "Someone is asking to see you outside." Haneefah gestured for her to wait, signaling that she was almost finished. Two minutes later, she concluded with the Fatiha prayer and asked with a hint of apprehension, "Who is it?"
"Yaya Jabir's friend," Amal replied, much to her surprise.
Haneefah stepped out and extended a greeting, which he accepted with immense delight. He began, "I know you'll be surprised to see me, but it shouldn't be a shock. I love you, and I came here with the intention of marriage."
Just as she opened her mouth to respond, she heard the main gate click open. The cold, disapproving stare her father gave her upon walking in sent a wave of panic through her. He said absolutely nothing to her and walked past. Filled with deep frustration, she turned to Sahabi and snapped, "I swear you are just lucky! Don't you have any shame whatsoever, coming here to claim you love me? I swear to Allah, if I ever see your feet in this house again..." She tossed her head dismissively and stormed inside.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, she felt completely at a loss as to what to do. A barrage of anxious thoughts flooded her mind: what kind of judgment or disciplinary action would be handed down to her now? It was in this state of distress that Nana found her. "Haneefah, what happened today? What did you see? I just took food to Abba, and he was grumbling, asking when you would ever reform. He said if it's marriage you want, you should bring forward your suitor, but that he has exhausted his duty in trying to guide you. He was furious that you even brought drug addicts to his house. I know you would never do such a thing; he must have been sent by someone."
At that moment, Haneefah raised her head, her eyes brimming with tears. She forced a sad smile and said, "It's nothing. Allah is with me."
Filled with deep pity, her sister consoled her, "Do not worry, a day will come when he will realize the truth."
In a outburst of pent-up frustration, Haneefah asked, "When? Since I was born, has he ever truly listened to my side of a story? Whatever lie is fed to him, he accepts it wholesale. It has become a burden to obey him just to rid myself of this constant misery I am trapped in."
From the moment she began speaking, Umma had fixed her eyes on her. She undoubtedly loved Haneefah, but she reposed deep trust in the excellent upbringing she had given her, knowing she was incapable of engaging in such reckless behavior. Umma walked further into the room, sat close to Haneefah, and asked, "Shall I offer you a solution?"
"Yes, Umma, I will do whatever you say," Haneefah replied.
Umma advised, "Then become entirely obedient to him, and draw closer to whatever brings him joy, even if he treats you harshly or upsets you. You know his ultimate happiness is to see you excel in your studies. I want you to calm your mind and study with utmost dedication to secure excellent results. Furthermore, stay united with your half-siblings, even if they do not reciprocate the affection. Most importantly, immerse yourself in prayers so that Allah grants you a peaceful resolution with him. The final piece of advice is to stop stressing yourself; learn to ignore the negativity, do you understand?"
Haneefah wrapped her arms around her mother. "Insha Allah, I will do so." Umma stroked her head gently. "That's my Haneefah."
From that fateful day onward, Haneefah made a solemn resolve to dedicate herself to her studies. She anchored her focus entirely on her academics, backed by intense prayers. She completely stayed out of Inna's family matters, though she had never really meddled in their affairs to begin with.
Time passed swiftly, and Haneefah successfully sat for her Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE). Her results turned out to be excellent. Filled with joy, she presented them to her father, who highly commended her efforts. She then expressed her desire to pursue a career in nursing. Seeing how dedicated she had become brought him immense joy, and he promised to secure an admission for her. That day, Haneefah felt a profound sense of happiness seeing her father so pleased, and her siblings joined in celebrating her success.
Alhamdulillah, she began to experience a softer attitude from her father. By Allah's grace, she secured admission into the nursing program alongside her close friend, Hadiza. Haneefah’s joy knew no bounds. Everyone offered her words of advice to stay committed to her books. Full of delight, she told her family, "Whatever your aspirations are for me, I accept them wholeheartedly; I will not let you down."
And that was exactly how it played out. Both Hadiza and Haneefah worked tirelessly, deliberately avoiding making new friends because they reposed complete trust in each other. Both were deeply passionate about their education, and though many peers sought their companionship, they didn't grant anyone the opportunity. They transcended being mere best friends and became like blood sisters. Hadiza was exceptionally beautiful, easily eclipsing Haneefah in terms of looks. Ever since they were in SS1, Hadiza had taken a strong liking to Haneefah, taking a long time to win her over until they became inseparable, as Haneefah was someone who embraced everyone warmly.
They successfully completed a year and a half of their program, leaving another year and a half which would be finalized through hospital clinical postings. The only significant hurdle Haneefah faced was her inability to speak English with absolute fluency. She understood it perfectly and could read and comprehend it with ease, but she couldn't sustain a long conversation in it—she could only manage spoken English in short spurts. Expressing herself verbally was a challenge, and this specific issue constantly bothered her.
Dr HANEEFAH (Chapter 3)
Dedicated to Batul Mamman (Mrs) 💖
She was sitting down, deeply engrossed in studying some medical textbooks, when Nana walked into the room. "Kudos to your hard work," Nana greeted.
"Thank you," Haneefah replied curtly.
"What are you looking up?" Nana inquired.
Haneefah let out a small sigh of frustration. "We are heading out for hospital clinical postings tomorrow, and I suspect it will be an antenatal clinic day. You know how talkative I can be, but I dread being assigned a topic that I haven't thoroughly mastered."
Nana offered, "I believe they will expect you to give a brief orientation or lecture on antenatal care. Many women register for antenatal care when they first discover they are pregnant, but only a few consistently follow through until delivery, which is a dangerous practice. Furthermore, a good number of them dislike taking their prescribed routine medications as directed, which leads to severe complications, especially during labor. It is imperative that once a woman realizes she is pregnant, she visits the hospital consistently without fail until she safely delivers. Just because we feel perfectly healthy on the outside doesn't mean we can predict when a complication might arise. Let me summarize how you can deliver the lecture effectively."
"After extending your greetings and ensuring everyone is doing well, you can begin your explanation along these lines: 'We will be discussing antenatal care specifically for first-time mothers who feel perfectly healthy. Is it necessary to undergo the routine tests conducted during antenatal visits, and what exactly do these tests entail?'
It is highly essential that even if you feel completely healthy, you attend the clinic to have your health monitored during pregnancy, particularly if it is your first experience. This is what we refer to as antenatal care. Let us break down the details in a reassuring manner. Antenatal care is a systemic approach utilizing various medical screenings to ensure the well-being of both mother and baby. It helps detect underlying risks associated with the pregnancy early on, managing them before they escalate into severe complications. Essentially, it serves as a preventive shield against exhaustion and distress as the pregnancy advances. It is worth noting that not every parameter is measured during your very first visit; rather, certain checks are done today, and others are scheduled for subsequent visits. For some women whose pregnancies are assessed as low-risk, extensive testing may not even be required.
Here is a structured breakdown of the primary measurements taken:
Urinalysis: Finally, the expectant mother is required to provide a urine sample in a sterile bottle to test for chemical components. This test can reveal early indicators of pre-eclampsia (pregnancy-induced seizures) or diabetes.
These constitute the foundational pillars of antenatal care. Aside from height, almost all the items outlined above are monitored repeatedly. Nearly every clinic visit requires a re-evaluation because as the pregnancy advances in age, the statistical risk of complications increases exponentially. May Allah grant you all safe journeys through pregnancy and blissful deliveries.*"
Dr HANEEFAH (Chapter 4)
Dedicated to Batul Mamman (Mrs) 💖
"Now, you must prepare yourself to answer questions from the audience, because there will definitely be some," Nana concluded.
Haneefah, who had been staring at Nana in disbelief, asked, "Is this how stressful a medical career is going to be? I swear to Allah, I cannot continue along the health line. Once I advance further, I am switching to a completely different field."
Nana encouraged her, "Keep pushing, my sister. The community desperately needs people like you. You are naturally compassionate, and I know you will easily put aside your personal comfort to assist others. I am certain you will make a huge impact through your service."
Haneefah countered, "Is that your only reason? There are countless fields where the community needs assistance, but why must it be health?"
"Because health trumps everything else," Nana insisted.
Haneefah shifted the topic. "Anyway, sis, when are we going to celebrate your wedding? I swear I am so eager, especially since you are done with school."
Nana replied, "There is still time. Abba wants us to pursue our education to an advanced level."
Haneefah argued, "Come on, Nana! The education you have acquired so far is perfectly adequate. All that's left is for you to start working! I am immensely eager to see you fulfill his dream. If you look at the reality of this house, none of Inna's children have attained any deep level of education. Even though Abba isn't as wealthy as he used to be, he is still making tremendous sacrifices for us. I want to get married, and Umma wants that for me too, but I will put it on hold for now until I earn my MBBS."
Haneefah’s eyes widened in astonishment. "You are incredibly ambitious! Is that why you don't even pay attention to suitors?"
"Yes, I won't entertain anyone until I ensure everything is perfectly stable," Nana affirmed.
Haneefah let out a deep sigh. "Honestly, Nana, you've attained a good level of education, so you should just thank Allah. Don't you see the current state of our country? Have you ever heard of a poor man's daughter pursuing an MBBS? That field is dominated entirely by the elite and wealthy. Besides, marriage doesn't hinder education. I am genuinely baffled by certain parents who stubbornly force their children to keep studying even when the children express a clear desire for marriage. A lot of young people suffer silently, suppressing their own valid desires just to please their parents. What exactly has Western education become to us? Look at the extreme value and weight people place on it. You will see a child who speaks fluent English and performs well academically being showered with care and adulation, while their religious education is completely neglected. A child who ought to grow up well-versed in their religion ends up knowing only Western concepts. You will find some seven-year-old children who don't even know the basic difference between Hellfire and Paradise, yet they are constantly glued to the television, knowing everything about worldly entertainment. We need to check ourselves; children should grow up with the Qur'an flowing from their lips, not stories from secular books. May Allah grant us understanding, Ameen."
Nana conceded, "You speak the truth. I place my trust in Allah, and Insha Allah, once I secure admission, even if it's just Part 1, I will get married."
Haneefah joked, "Well, you better not back out then!"
While they were talking about their studies, Ahmad peered into the room and announced, "Come over, Umma is calling for you both."
They found her seated in her room. Haneefah greeted her, "Hope you are resting well, Umma."
She acknowledged the greeting warmly, "Yes, thank you." Looking at Haneefah with a pleasant smile, she continued, "The time has finally come for you to open a bank account. It is time for you to start a savings routine (adani), just like your older siblings, Nana and Ahmad. The savings you build now will undoubtedly benefit you in times of need in the future. It will be ten thousand naira every month. I know you don't care much for expensive clothes right now since you spend almost every day in your school uniform. In the future, whenever you need to purchase something, buy strictly within your financial limits. Furthermore, minimize requesting school funds from your father; only ask for what is absolutely necessary. I hope you both are listening to me carefully?"
In a subdued tone, Haneefah replied, "Yes, Umma."
"This way, when the time for your weddings arrives, we won't face severe financial strain, provided you maintain a habit of frugality. May Allah bless you both. You may go now."
Haneefah loved her mother intensely. Whatever money Umma earned was spent entirely on her children's well-being. Haneefah knew her mother did this so they would never look covetously at other people's possessions. Even though they weren't wealthy, their mother ensured they were comfortable and lacked nothing. Honestly, parents—especially mothers—deserve immense empathy; a mother will gladly sacrifice her own happiness just to bring joy to her children. There is nothing more fitting for children to do for their parents than to make them happy and constantly remember them in prayers.
The following morning, she woke up feeling a profound, unexplainable tightness in her chest. She observed her dawn prayer and performed all her usual morning acts of worship, yet the uneasy sensation in her heart persisted. She tried getting dressed for the day but found herself unable to focus on getting ready. Confused, she muttered to herself, "What could possibly be happening today?"
She picked up her copy of the Holy Qur'an and sat down to recite. Gradually, she felt her heart rate steady and calm down. She then picked up her prayer beads (carbi) and engaged in supplications. After about twenty minutes, she finally stood up, finished getting dressed, and went to say goodbye to Umma. Umma handed her the money intended for opening the bank account, wished them well, and Haneefah departed.
She sat quietly in the pediatric ward where she was posted, completely unable to focus on any task. She kept repeating prayers silently in her heart, feeling too restless to remain seated. Unable to bear the stillness, she stood up and headed toward her close friend Hadiza, who was posted to the labor ward. However, she couldn't bring herself to step inside, as she was prone to severe dizziness whenever she sighted blood. As she stood outside the doors, Hadiza emerged. "Ah, sister! So you're the one standing out here?"
Haneefah replied, "If I step in there, you'll end up admitting me as a patient, because I will definitely faint."
Hadiza burst into laughter, knowing full well her friend was capable of fainting. "What brings you out here? It isn't lunch break yet."
Haneefah explained with a worried look, "I swear, I just can't seem to understand myself today. I've been feeling incredibly uneasy since morning."
Deeply concerned, Hadiza asked, "Did something bad happen at home?"
"No, nothing at all," Haneefah replied. Hadiza advised her to constantly recite the supplication: Innalillahi wa'inna ilaihi rajiun, Allahumma ajirni fi musibati wakhlifni khairan minha (To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return. O Allah, reward me in my affliction and requite me with something better than it).
Haneefah nodded, "Insha Allah, I will keep reciting it. Thank you. I am heading to the bank now, and once I am done, I'll head straight home."
Hadiza waved, "Alright, may Allah protect you on the road. Extend my regards to everyone at home."
She alighted from the commercial tricycle (adaidaita sahu) that brought her, paid the driver his fare, and walked into the bank. The erratic thumping of her heart intensified. She sat down, waiting for the customers ahead of her to be served, scanning her surroundings with an increased admiration for the accounting profession.
Moving toward a secluded corner near a side door, she knelt down slightly to fill out the application forms she had been given. Having finished, she prepared to stand up to submit the documents, reviewing them one last time with her eyes glued to the paperwork, completely oblivious to what lay directly in front of her.
Meanwhile, a young man had just finished exchanging pleasantries with his colleague. He was heading toward the manager's office, his attention still anchored on his friend. He walked forward briskly without looking ahead, turning back slightly to wave a final goodbye to his colleague in a hurry...