A TRIP TO GRANDMA’S
It was supposed to be a pleasant road trip to the outskirts of town.
There and back again, with the love of her life ‘Abbas.
Due to missing the family introduction, Amma had invited Haneefah and ‘Abbas to her home so she could meet the newest ‘Iyawo’.
The trip turned out to be,
the stuff of nightmares,
or a puzzling encounter…
depending on who you asked.
xxxxxxxx
They were halfway to Amma’s house before Haneefah suspected anything.
Why it took her so long, she would likely never know.
What she was certain of was that it was too late before she thought to question the presence of ‘Abbas’ mum alongside two of his sisters-in-law.
Haneefah had assumed Mrs Akinade had come along to serve as a chaperone.
And she loved her new family for the gesture.
After all, her parents had suggested accompanying them, but ‘Abbas had insisted there was no need and assured them his mum would be coming.
“There will be plenty of time to meet Amma and the rest of the family,” he said with a charming smile. “Amma simply wants to meet Haneefah before the ‘aqd proper, that’s all.”
And the matter had been put to rest.
*****
The first prickles of unease started to nudge Haneefah when ‘Abbas made not one but two stops along the way, to pick up his brothers’ wives — Ummu Faizah and Umm ‘Ali.
The feeling flared stronger the moment Umm ‘Ali joined them and locked eyes with Haneefah.
Haneefah debated whether it was fear, desperation or pity she had glimpsed in Umm ‘Ali’s eyes.
She would find out soon enough.
******
The group of five had to stop at a filling station to refuel and stretch their legs.
While ‘Abbas filled the tank, everyone went into the convenience store to relieve themselves and get something to eat.
As Haneefah browsed the store, Ummu ‘Ali pulled her aside out of the blue.
“Listen to me,” Ummu ‘Ali hissed, her gaze darting frantically up and down the aisle. She reminded Haneefah of a cornered animal seeking an escape route.
Although Ummu ‘Ali’s actions unnerved Haneefah, she tried to stay calm.
“Let go!” Haneefah said, releasing her arm from Umm ‘Ali’s punishing grip.
“Do you know why you’re visiting Amma?” Ummu ‘Ali whispered again, unfazed.
Straightening her hijab, Haneefah asked. “What are you talking about and why are you whispering?”
“Answer me! Do you know why you’re visiting and what you’d be required to do there?” As she spoke, ‘Ummu Ali stopped scanning the small store and then looked Haneefah straight in the eye.
A shiver travelled down Haneefah’s spine. There’s that look again she thought.
Confused, Haneefah replied with a shrug: “Amma wants to meet me because she couldn’t be at the introduction…”
“I thought as much,” Ummu ‘Ali nodded looking thoughtful. She took a step closer to Haneefah who stepped back on instinct. Ummu’s behaviour was becoming too strange for her liking.
Haneefah’s shying away did not seem to offend Ummu ‘Ali. Instead, she ploughed on, her whispered words tumbling over each other.
“Please, you must heed my words. Everything is not as it seems. It’s not too late for you to…”
“There you both are! We’ve been looking all over for you.”
Haneefah and Ummu ‘Ali both started at Mrs Akinade’s voice, looking for all the world like they had been caught stealing. They could only stare as she closed the distance between them. “Is everything alright?” Mrs Akinade asked, eyes narrowed and searching both their faces.
Glad at having Ummu ‘Ali’s ominous speech interrupted, Haneefah recovered first.
“Nothing’s the matter ma, we were just coming to join you,” she answered airily.
Haneefah took her soon-to-be mother-in-law’s arm and gently herded her out of the shop. “Did you find the mint sweets you were looking for?”
As they left, Haneefah chanced one last look over her shoulder at Ummu ‘Ali. The emotions shining in the latter’s eyes chilled Haneefah to the bone. This time she had no problem naming them.
*******
Haneefah should have tried to ask more questions.
She should have listened to that small voice at the back of her mind.
Most of all, she should have paid more attention to Ummu ‘Ali’s warning.
*******
Dusk was on the horizon when they finally arrived Amma’s house.
The first thing that came to mind as soon as Haneefah spotted the one-storey house was that despite its more modern fittings, it had some vintage appeal. Amma’s brown-coated house was set back in a spacious piece of land with a flight of stairs connecting the ground floor to the first floor. Only faint outlines of other buildings could be seen from far off. Looking at the house, Haneefah couldn’t help the feeling of desolation that washed over her.
“We’re here,” Mrs Akinade announced tonelessly to no one in particular.
Everyone crowded out of the car, stretching and muttering prayers of thanks for a safe journey. Amma appeared at the front door and started waving at them. She was dressed in an Ankara kaftan with an iborun (scarf) tied loosely around her gele (headtie).
“Ekabo, eku irin. Welcome. Come inside my dears. It looks like it’s going to rain.”
It was true. The sky was overcast, and thunder rumbled in the distance. Strong gusts of wind whistled, moving leaves and other small objects around.
“Good evening, ma,” ‘Abbas greeted his granny as soon as they reached the front door. Amma promptly pulled her grandson into a hug before ushering them all in.
Turning to Haneefah, she said: “You must be our new ‘iyawo’. Be welcome to the family and my home, darling. Make yourself right at home, whatever you need, just ask.”
Haneefah could only manage a stiff smile and a mumbled ‘thank you ma’. She didn’t like the way Amma was looking at her – as if she were a piece of meat being inspected before slaughter. Although Amma’s voice was soft and she seemed outwardly kind and welcoming, something about her demeanour felt slightly off. For one, her wide smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. Even her words, which were meant to put Haneefah at ease, did quite the opposite.
“You chose well, Àkàndé.” Amma told ‘Abbas eyes still glued on Haneefah, who squirmed under the unsettling scrutiny. Amma continued: “What I don’t understand is: why you chose to break the first pact. She’s pretty and looks like she’s from good stock. Should’ve been easy for you to do.”
“Amma I explained…” ‘Abbas started to say.
“Never mind. I just hope the consequences won’t be too dire.” Amma abruptly faced Mrs Akinade and her granddaughters-in-law. “You have done well too, my dears.”
Mrs Akinade, Umm ‘Ali and Umm Faizah smiled mechanically and inclined their heads at Amma. Even ‘Abbas was smiling sheepishly.
Several questions raced through Haneefah’s mind:
What did Amma mean by ‘pact’? What should have been easy for ‘Abbas to do? Does everyone in here know what this means except me? Should I have asked more questions or listened to Ummu ‘Ali? What is happening here and why is everyone acting so strange? Should I have agreed to come here at all?
Ummu Ali’s warning was beginning to make sense to Haneefah. She tried to catch Ummu’s eyes but Ummu avoided her gaze, choosing to stare at the floor as if searching for something.
At this point, Haneefah began to panic. She knew something was really wrong. Without second-guessing herself, she fished her phone from her purse and sent her live location to her parents via Google Maps.
That done, Haneefah began to step backwards towards the door.
If I can just reach the door, I can escape…
She didn’t get far though. Amma turned to gaze at her, effectively rooting her to the spot. That eerie not-quite smile was still plastered on her wrinkled face.
“Where are you off to, Haneefah? Why we’re just about to pray solah! Afterwards, we shall begin.”
Everyone crowded around Haneefah. Ummu Faizah and Ummu ‘Ali took positions at her sides, linking their arms through hers. She began to recite every dhikr of protection that came to her mind(1) under her breath.
On wooden legs, Haneefah had no choice but to follow them into the living room unsure of what lay ahead.
********
As they walked deeper into the house, Amma beckoned the rest of the women to her side. This meant Ummu Faizah and Umm ‘Ali had to let go of her to join Amma, where they instantly began to whisper.
‘Abbas came to join her and they brought up the rear.
“Care to tell me what’s going on here ‘Abbas?” She whispered in anger.
Haneefah didn’t want the women to hear her since they had been looking back at her while speaking.
“I know this must come as a shock to you and I apologise ok…”
“Shouldn’t you have prepared me before we came here? Okay, what did your Amma mean by what she said earlier and…”
“Oh that,” ‘Abbas rubbed the back of his neck. It was something he did whenever he was guilty or embarrassed.
“Yes, go on,” Haneefah urged him.
She was desperate for an explanation as they had almost reached the living room. She slowed her pace, forcing him to do the same.
“Well…it’s our family tradition for intending brides to be pregnant before the wedding. To prove that they are capable of carrying on the family name. I put my foot down and refused to put you through that because it is fornication. Amma had no choice but to accept.”
While ‘Abbas puffed up his chest like he had managed an impossible feat, Haneefah’s mouth hung open. She didn’t even need to ask if he was serious or not. His explanation confirmed Amma’s words about her being pretty etc. The Akinades were well-to-do, well-travelled, religious and highly educated; ‘Abbas himself had been studying for his second master’s degree at her university where they had met and he proposed. Why they still practised such archaic traditions baffled her.
Haneefah nodded thoughtfully. Amma’s promise still nagged at her though. “What is Amma beginning after solah, because I don’t understand that part.”
“Oh, it’s something between the women of the family. I assure you, it’s probably harmless, women stuff about running the family properly etcetera. Males know nothing about it.”
“You mean you don’t know what she is talking about?”
He shook his head.
“No idea? Nothing?”
“I said I don’t know. What’s with all the questions anyway? Instead of thanking me for saving you from that tradition, you’re busy pestering me with questions.”
‘Abbas sounded upset yet Haneefah couldn’t care less. Clearly, the thought had not crossed his mind that even if he hadn’t stood up to his family, she would’ve broken off the ‘engagement’ if he had dared approach for such.
“Are you sure, ‘Abbas? I hope it’s nothing fetish…”
‘Abbas stopped mid-stride. “How dare you suggest that? I’ll have you know, my Amma is Arowosadinni and mum is Agbesinga Adinni of their as-salatu circle, which they frequent without fail. Ummu Faizah and Umm ‘Ali also practise the deen to the best of their ability, so to even imply…” He paused and took a deep breath. “You know what? I’m offended by your question, and I demand an apology!”
Haneefah was taken aback “I’m sorry…”
The other women had obviously heard ‘Abbas’ outburst because they turned to look at them.
“Is everything alright with you lovebirds?” Mrs Akinade asked sweetly.
“It’s nothing, mum.” ‘Abbas replied in a clipped tone. “We are already here, let’s go and pray.”
Without another word, he went to join the others.
******
After solah, Ummu Faizah and Ummu ‘Ali sat with Haneefah in the living room. Haneefah couldn’t help but think they were there to prevent her from leaving. Try as she might to talk to them both they remained tight-lipped. Amma and Mrs Akinade had disappeared upstairs while ‘Abbas had remained in the small prayer room close to the dining area where they had observed Maghrib. Haneefah was grateful they had prayed in there as the living room looked fit to be called a mini museum. Several paintings and statues littered the walls and other surfaces: tables, stools, you name it. There was even a shelf dedicated to holding them.
Haneefah had tried to question ‘Abbas about them before solah.
“Why does Amma have all these ere scattered around the house?”
He had simply shrugged and replied flippantly: “Amma likes to collect these things. A youthful habit. Don’t worry about it.”
That was exactly what Haneefah did. She worried. Was Amma unaware of the ruling for owning/keeping such things? Or her family informed her but she just didn’t care? Was she making the right decision to marry into this family with all their dubious practices? What if they asked her to do something forbidden down the line? Was love worth the ire of Her Lord?
As she pondered these thoughts, Mrs Akinade appeared at the top of the stairs.
“It is time.” She announced solemnly.
Haneefah sat frozen in her chair. Despite ‘Abbas’ reassurances, she didn’t want to go anywhere with these women. She wanted to go home. The messages she had sent to her parents outlining her worries had been delivered only by a miracle because as soon as she sent them, the network connection disappeared. No matter how hard she tried, the bars stubbornly stayed away.
Ummu Faizah rose immediately and without a backward glance, began to climb the steps.
Ummu ‘Ali on the other hand came to stand by her seat. She pulled her up and placed her purse in her hands. Haneefah noticed that Umm ‘Ali’s hands trembled as well.
“You have to be strong from now on out, Haneefah. It will all be over soon. May Allah forgive us.”
If Haneefah hadn’t strained her ears she wouldn’t have heard Ummu ‘Ali’s words.
Heart thumping fast, Haneefah allowed Ummu ‘Ali to push her towards the stairs and then ascend after her.
La ilaha illa Anta Subhanaka, inni kuntu mina zalimin. She repeated the dhikr silently. Ya Allah get me out of this mess, please.
*******
They were in a massive suite. It was Amma who opened the door to let them in. Haneefah was stupefied by the sight that met her. Amma had changed into a plain, red wrapper tied tightly across her chest. Visible on her chest was a tattoo of the biggest statue downstairs. She had drawn circles around her eyes with chalk and a strange symbol, also drawn with chalk, adorned her forehead. Gone was the fake smile, the welcoming demeanour. Amma looked like a priestess who meant business.
“Come in all of you.”
They crowded in. Mrs Akinade and Umm ‘Ali had to drag Haneefah in.
“Make sure to lock the door.”
At the sound of the door clicking shut and the key turning in the lock, Haneefah’s composure came undone. She beagn to shout. “Yeh, let me go, please. I won’t tell anyone, please ma.”
No one paid her any mind.
Amma pointed to a pile of wrappers on the bed. “You three go change. I will watch her.”
The rest of the women obeyed Amma and filed into the adjoining bathroom.
The heat in the room was stifling, courtesy of several candles burning in holders. Red and white strings and wrappers covered almost all the surfaces. There was no bed, most likely removed to accommodate the shrine arranged right in the middle of the room. A life-sized sculpture of the statue tattooed on Amma’s chest stood there, surrounded by several calabashes containing various powdery, solid and liquid substances. A live chicken was tied before it alongside a sharp-looking knife, a bottle of gin and palm oil.
It didn’t take a genius to figure out what Amma meant for her to do.
Shivering all over, Haneefah faced Amma. Maybe she could try to reason with her. “Please ma. I will leave. I am not interested in participating in whatever this is…”
Amma shook her head. “Too late. You’re here already.” She reached out a hand as if to touch Haneefah’s shoulder. Haneefah flinched backwards. Amma laughed.
“I’ll scream and…and ‘Abbas will hear and he will…”
Amma tutted. “Not possible. He’s out cold till morning.”
“You drugged your grandson?”
Amma waved a hand dismissively. “Oh don’t be dramatic. It’s only a sleeping pill. We can’t risk him walking in on us or hearing your screams now, can we? So, relax child…”
“How can I do that ma?” Haneefah screeched. “All this…this rubbish juju is shirk wa audhubillahi…”
“Never say that! That is Osurayan, our family ‘deity’. It has been revered by the women in our family for generations. And it has never failed us. Abi how do you think we have prospered and multiplied all these years…”
“That is all courtesy of Allah’s blessing!”
“Yes, yes, but Osurayan is the sababi. Hmm, you children of nowadays what do you know? Don’t worry we only do this twice a year. It is no trouble…”
“I WILL WORSHIP NONE BUT ALLAH!”
Amma continued as if she hadn’t spoken.
“Don’t worry I will slaughter the chicken. All you have to do is pour the libation, bow, and say the words. Four simple lines. Listen carefully:
Osurayan, I am here
Let my addition to the Akinade family usher in more wealth and blessings
Let me be fruitful
Let me birth males and females
Ase
“That’s it. However, there are two caveats: You must keep it secret from your husband and every male in the house. Also, you must never seek a divorce. Failure to abide by these rules shall result in terrible consequences. Including, but not restricted to a slow, and painful death, running mad…”
Haneefah was barely listening. She was shaking her head, making du’a fervently. Mrs Akinade and the rest joined them. Gone were the iborun, hijab and jilbab. They had also tied their wrappers and painted their faces. Haneefah watched stupefied as they approached the statue and picked a calabash each.
“Is it so easy to denounce Islam/Allah? To commit _shirk al-akbar_? How can you do this then turn around and make sujud as if nothing happened?!”
Haneefah exploded.
Ummu ‘Ali winced while Ummu Faizah looked unbothered. Mrs Akinade came to sit beside her where she had slumped against the wall.
“My dear, I understand this must be shocking. Believe me _mo se ju e lo_. Even your sisters-in-law protested more than you are doing now. But it’s not a big deal. Give unto Caesar what’s Caesar’s. Two times in a year is not too big a price to pay for blessings and fertile womb…”
“It is too terrible a price to pay to denounce paradise, subhanallah.”
Haneefah eyed Mrs Akinade with disgust. “And your son thinks you are Alaranse adinni or whatever, upholding the tenets of Islam…”
“Stop right there! You think you are better than me. Us?” Mrs Akinade pointed at Amma and the rest.
“We are doing this for the good of the family! And you shall do your duty too because you agreed to the pact as soon as you said ‘yes’ to my son!”
Haneefah bared her teeth. “You think I would have agreed if I had known about all this? You can’t hold me to account for something I was unaware of…”
“Enough!” Amma thundered. “Hold her down.”
Ummu Faizah and Mrs Akinade held her down. No matter how much she struggled she couldn’t free herself. The storm raging outside drowned out her screams as well.
Amma took the chalk and camwood and began painting her face.
Haneefah debated whether to make a run for the knife and threaten them with it, but she soon dismissed that idea. They would overpower her, and she really didn’t want to hurt anyone.
_If I can buy myself time, perhaps my parents will meet me here and take me home_. She thought.
By a miracle, an idea occurred to Haneefah. Amma had finished painting her face. She looked satisfied.
“Now, you will pick up a calabash and…”
“I can’t do it with my hijab on.”
“What did you say?”
“I said I want to change. Surely you have another wrapper to spare? I can’t do it with this hijab.”
Amma and the rest looked pleased. Umm ‘Ali looked a little disappointed.
“Good girl. I like that you have come to your senses.” Amma said before turning to Mrs Akinade. “Fetch a wrapper from the wardrobe.”
When she had the wrapper in her hands, she went to the bathroom, thankful that her small purse was still slung across her body.
Ya Allah help me through this. There is no God but You.
*******
“Be calm, Haneefah. You’ll get through whatever this is biidhnillah.”
Haneefah repeated these words over and over again in a bid to try to calm herself in the bathroom.
Calming breaths and psyching herself up mentally worked only to an extent. The reflection in the mirror looked far from ok. Her hands wouldn’t stop trembling and her eyes were swollen from tears. She jumped at any slight sound.
“Are you done in there?” Ummu Ali asked from her post outside the door.
“One second, I had to do number 2!” She flushed the toilet for good measure.
“Be quick about it.”
_Haneefah think of something fast or else they will drag you out of here and force you to drink blood or smear yourself with it then make you bow to Osunyan or whatever their cursed idol is called_…
Her phone ringing broke through her sinister musings.
Haneefah tried to take the call, but her hands shook so much, that it slipped through her fingers and clattered into the wash-hand basin.
Haneefah tried again and this time she succeeded in taking the call.
“Daddy! Alhamdulillah! Please come and get me. I need to leave this place…” She whispered.
“Calm down baby. We received…live location… and messages… Your mum is … on our way.” Her dad said.
Haneefah could hear her mum speaking in the background.
Through all the static and crackling noises due to the bad network connection, the fear in her parents’ voices was unmistakable.
“Ànìké, where…? … you doing? Keep my child safe yaa…! _Oju kan epa oju kan ere_! Ya Allah!”
“I am trying to buy time in one of the washrooms.”
“Lock yourself…Stay… don’t go…” Her dad said.
Locking herself in the bathroom was a good idea except Ummu Ali had taken the keys and locked the door from outside. She checked the room for any windows.
Escaping through the windows sounded even better. It didn’t matter that it was on the first floor, she’d brave it. A broken leg or two seemed more palatable than the idolatry the Akinades were asking her to commit.
“Dad, I have an idea! I can escape through the window and try to meet you…”
Haneefah gasped as the call got disconnected. She tried to call again, to no avail.
“No!” She screamed before realising her mistake.
“Haneefah! What’s the matter? I am coming in.”
“No don’t! I only stubbed my toe on the tiles. I’m fine.”
She heard Umm ‘Ali heave a deep sigh.
She began to speak very softly “Haneefah please, whatever you are trying won’t work. Just go along with this and let’s go on with our lives.”
Haneefah pressed her lips to the door and whisper-shouted back. “How can you say that? You know in your heart of hearts that this is wrong. It’s shirk! Isn’t that why you tried to warn me?”
Another sigh. “Amma must have filled you in so you must know why I can’t leave. It’s out of our hands now, Haneefah. Do it and seek forgiveness from Allah. He is merciful and will forgive…”
“And what about the next time and the next and the next? How will you excuse that in front of Allah? You people had better prepare to kill me because I will only do this over my dead body.”
“Haneefah, please…”
“I have to try something! Umm ‘Ali, I know you are battling with your conscience right now. I know you want out of this mess. I know you don’t want to die in this state. Please just give me a chance. Maybe Allah will rescue you through my actions. Please.”
Haneefah waited with bated breath hoping she had succeeded in reaching Umm ‘Ali.
After a few seconds that felt like years, Haneefah heard another sigh through the door.
“Alright. But let me warn you. I will only give you five minutes before I sound the alarm. Whatever happens afterwards is out of my hands.”
Tears of joy slipped through Haneefah’s eyelids unbidden. She prayed to Allah to release Umm Ali from the bondage she was in. “Jazaakumullahu khayran ma. I’m grateful. Biidhnillah I’ll make those five minutes count.”
“Baraakallau feek.”
Not a second after, Umm ‘Ali said in a loud voice. “If you are pooing please make it snappy. We don’t have all day.”
Haneefah got to work. She closed the toilet lid and hefted herself up so she could reach the window. It slid open with little resistance and thankfully there were no burglar bars.
Haneefah climbed the tiny ledge and looked down. The ground beckoned. It was not too far. Jumping was the only thing keeping her from escaping to blessed freedom.
“Bismillah“
She closed her eyes and jumped.
*****
When she landed, she went straight for the foyer window. Earlier, she had seen ‘Abbas hang his car keys on a hook by the front door. She planned to steal the keys.
Reaching the window she found it was stuck fast. With no time to waste, Haneefah picked up a stone and smashed the window with it.
Not minding the shards of the glass, she stuck her hand in and plucked the jets from the rack.
“Alhadulillah!”
The storm whipped Haneefah’s hijab around her as she limp-ran towards ‘Abbas’ parked car. If her calculations were correct, she had only two minutes left out of the five minutes grace Umm ‘Ali had given her.
“Hurry, hurry” She urged herself to go faster.
She stretched out her hand in front of her waving it from side to side as she pressed the button on the key fob. The comforting beep-beep of the car unlocking was music to her ears.
“Alhamdulillah, yaa Allah. Alhamdulillah”
The five-minute grace was up already. She could already hear the commotion from inside the house. She was just in time to jump inside the car and lock it when the front door burst open.
Desperation and adrenaline spurred her on as Haneefah reversed and spun the car around in her wildest feat of driving yet. In her rearview mirror, illuminated by her tail lights, she saw four figures standing outside, screaming and waving frantically for her to stop. They cut a bone-chilling picture seeing as they hadn’t bothered to change out of their red wrappers.
Umm ‘Ali stood a little bit apart from the others. The smile on her face warmed Haneefah’s heart.
Haneefah sped away into the night until the house was but a speck in the distance.
******
She met up with her parents halfway. As soon as she saw their car, she killed the engine and stepped into the middle of the road, waving her hands above her head.
It worked! Relief washed over her when their car stopped, and Haneefah didn’t even wait for them to step out before she ran to the car and flung herself into her mother’s arms.
“It’s alright. It’s over darling.” Her mother comforted her amidst tears.
Her father came to their side of the car and put his arms around them.
“Thank you for coming for me,”
“We’ll always be there for you, my dear.”
Mother, father and daughter remained entangled in each other’s arms weeping and thanking Allah for His mercies. Members of a family finding one another, hale and hearty after a close call is indeed a blessing that should not be taken for granted.
“Come let’s go inside and you can tell us all about what happened.”
It was then her parents noticed ‘Abbas’ car. “Isn’t that…”
“Yes, I had to take it. I’m going to leave it there with the keys in it.”
Her mum raised her brows in question.
“Won’t it be…?”
“I don’t care! Wallahi I want nothing to do with him and his family anymore.”
“Your wish is our command. Let’s leave this place shall we.”
*******
Haneefah was certain ‘Abbas would be perplexed to find her gone come morning, so in between filling her parents in on her horrible experience, she penned him a message:
You’ll find your car by the side of the road leading out of town. I don’t know what stories your mum or Amma would cook up, but I suggest you pressure them to tell you EXACTLY what happened.(Start by asking your mum to explain how you slept through all the commotion) ‘Abbas, you and every male member of your family have been lied to. There’s nothing ‘harmless’ about what the Akinade women are engaged in. It is a fetish and abhorrent tradition, led by your matriarch, Amma. Allah saved me from committing major shirk tonight and I pray He saves and guides you all too. I only pity the poor lady you choose to propose to next time. Anyway, the ENGAGEMENT IS OFF. Please never call me again or come to our family house. My father has promised to have you arrested if you do so. Have a good life.’
Haneefah.
She pressed ‘send’, then rested her head on her mum’s shoulder.
“Sleep, my brave girl.” Her mum cooed, stroking her back.
All the excitement of the night slowly began to wear off replaced by exhaustion. Haneefah burrowed deeper into her side, warm and safe, then promptly fell asleep, dreaming good dreams.
THE END.
Indeed, Allah does not forgive associating others with Him ˹in worship but forgives anything else of whoever He wills. And whoever associates others with Allah has indeed committed a grave sin. Q4:48
Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, Allah Almighty said: Verily, I am free of the idolatry of any partners. Whoever performs a deed in which he associates another with Me, I will abandon him to his partner.” (Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2985)
Abdullah ibn Mas’ud reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Whoever dies while associating anything with Allah will enter Hellfire”
Ibn Mas’ud said, “Whoever dies without associating anything with Allah will enter Paradise.” (Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 1181, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 92)
Subhanallah! I love this
Thank you! You’re very kind