Rahima Book 1 Complete Hausa Novel

The whole city of Kano woke up under intense heat that day, even though the season had already entered the months when rain was expected regularly.

The situation had become a matter of constant prayer. Some states and villages had already received rainfall, while Kano remained dry. Many times, clouds would gather in the sky as if rain was about to fall, but within moments, by the will of Allah, the clouds would slowly disappear and the sky would become bright again.

The Heat of Kano

Sometimes this would continue for days before Allah, the Owner of all power, would finally send down rain in abundance.

Whenever the rain came, the entire city became cool and peaceful. The ground softened, and the sweet smell of wet soil spread everywhere through the gentle breeze.

Farmers would return to their farms, while scholars and ordinary people continued praying for a blessed rainy season, food abundance, and progress for the land.

Life in Yakasai

Despite the harsh heat, people still moved around, struggling for their daily livelihood. Men and women, young and old, all searched for honest ways to earn money.

This hardworking nature of Kano people was one of the things that made them special. They understood how to turn little earnings into something meaningful without pride or envy.

Inside one of the houses in Yakasai lived Hajiya Kaltume, a woman of about fifty-five years. She sat in her room arranging items for her small business.

In front of her were dried okra, kuka leaves, seasoning cubes, detergent, salt, sugar, spices, garlic, groundnut snacks, and other small goods packed inside containers and bottles for sale.

Doctor Haseeb Visits His Mother

At exactly half past twelve, her eldest son, Doctor Haseeb, entered the house and greeted her.

He found her surrounded by the items she was packaging. The sight made his face tighten with displeasure.

Haseeb was naturally not someone who smiled often, and his mother knew his character well. After greeting her, he sat down quietly and stared at his palms for a few moments before releasing a heavy sigh.

His mother looked at him and asked, “My son, is everything alright? Is something troubling you?”

He shook his head and replied, “Everything is fine. The message you left at home made me rush here to know if everything was alright.”

A Mother’s Independence

Before answering him, Hajiya Kaltume calmly tied three small portions of salt. This made Haseeb even more upset.

He could no longer hold himself and said, “Hajiya, why do you insist on stressing yourself? Why must you keep doing all these small packaging businesses?”

She looked at him briefly, then looked away and replied, “Since you entered, I noticed your mood was not good. But how many times must I tell you that my parents did not raise me to live lazily?”

She continued, “From my youth, I learned the importance of depending on myself. I understood the value of business when money still had value, not now that people struggle so hard before earning anything.”

The Matter of Rabi’u’s Marriage

Later, Haseeb learned the true reason his mother called him. The issue was about his younger brother, Rabi’u, who wanted to marry Rahima.

Hajiya Kaltume explained that Rabi’u had spoken to her about the girl, and her family wanted him to come forward officially if he was serious.

Haseeb was shocked. To him, Rabi’u was still a student and not yet prepared for marriage.

He said, “I sent Rabi’u to school for education, not romance. He is only in 200 level. Why can’t he wait until he finishes school and finds something to do?”

Hajiya Kaltume’s Anger

His mother became upset. She reminded him that many people married while still studying and continued their education afterward.

Haseeb tried to explain that marriage required preparation, responsibility, income, and a proper place to keep a wife.

But Hajiya Kaltume believed he was only trying to deny his brother support.

She said angrily that Rabi’u was old enough to marry and that she had informed Haseeb because he was the eldest, not because he was the only person capable of leading the matter.

Rabi’u Explains Himself

When Rabi’u later met Haseeb and their brother Hayatu, he explained everything.

He said he and Rahima had known each other from school. At first, their relationship was like that of siblings, but gradually they became close.

They only confessed their feelings two months earlier, and both had agreed not to rush into marriage until after completing their education.

However, Rahima’s paternal grandfather suddenly insisted that she must either present a husband or be married off to someone chosen for her.

Rabi’u said he felt responsible because he had already promised to marry her.

Haseeb Accepts the Matter

Although Haseeb was not happy with the situation, he did not want to upset their mother.

He finally agreed that the family would visit Rahima’s people and discuss the marriage properly.

He warned Rabi’u that he was accepting only because of their mother and because no one truly knew where Allah had placed goodness.

Rabi’u became extremely happy, while Hayatu still teased him and warned that if Rahima’s family background was not acceptable, the matter could still end there.

Haseeb’s Hidden Worries

That evening, Haseeb lay inside his bedroom disturbed by thoughts about his siblings and the responsibilities placed upon him.

His wife, Zuwaira, entered quietly with a tray containing pineapple juice and fruits.

She noticed his troubled mood immediately because after six years of marriage, she understood him well.

She gently touched his shoulder and asked, “Can I ask the doctor something?”

After taking a sip of the juice, Haseeb looked at her and replied, “What is it?”

She said softly, “You have looked worried since you came back. Is everything alright?”

Haseeb gave a short answer at first, but eventually mentioned the issue of Rabi’u’s marriage and how their mother wanted the wedding process to begin soon.

Zuwaira was surprised and asked about Rabi’u’s education, but Haseeb explained that Hajiya believed the boy was already grown enough.

The Beginning of Rahima’s Journey

The matter of Rabi’u and Rahima’s marriage was no longer a simple love issue. It had become a family decision filled with pressure, responsibility, sacrifice, and uncertainty.

For Haseeb, it was another burden added to the many responsibilities already resting on his shoulders.

For Hajiya Kaltume, it was the dream of seeing her youngest son married.

For Rabi’u, it was love, promise, and the fear of losing Rahima forever.