Hukuncin Allah Book Complete .pdf

Description

Summary of the Hausa Novel Excerpt

The excerpt is a tense, dramatic chapter from a Hausa family drama/novel centering around a devastating scandal, betrayal, and familial fallout.

• The Conflict Begins: Aryan has filed a formal police/court case accusing Yusuf (his close friend/associate, and a member of the extended family) of raping Zahra. When Abba (Yusuf’s father) learns of this, he is thrown into immense emotional turmoil, experiencing physical symptoms of shock and chest pain. He later confronts his wife, Maman Yusuf, demanding she question her son and warning of severe consequences if the allegation is true.
• Family Chaos & Divorce: Meanwhile, Daddy (another senior family figure) holds Aunty Amarya (Zahra's mother) accountable for gross negligence in parenting, which he believes led to Zahra's tragedy. In his fury and grief, Daddy divorces Aunty Amarya on the spot (saki daya).
• Zahra and Mama's Agony: Zahra remains traumatized, silent, and physically recovering from the ordeal and subsequent medical treatment. Maman Yusuf is utterly heartbroken, torn between her absolute belief in her son Yusuf's innocence and the terrifying wrath of her husband, Abba.
• Alliances and Divisions: While Jafar and Zulaihat strongly defend Yusuf and believe he is being framed by Aryan out of malice, others like Ummi and Hajja Inna are quick to believe the worst of Yusuf. Abba storms out in rage, vowing to see the matter through the court regardless of family pleas.

English Translation

He blurted out whatever came to his mind, then pressed his hand against his heart, which felt as though it was about to burst. His whole body was trembling violently, even his lips were quivering. He shut his eyes tightly and bit down hard on both of his lips. He collapsed onto the sofa because his legs could no longer support his weight. A sudden, scorching sweat broke out from the crown of his head down to his big toe.

He kept tossing his head back and forth, his mind and heart rejecting the document as he muttered to himself: "No... Impossible! It’s not my Aryan... Aryan could never do this to me. No, no! This isn't my Aryan, it must be some other Aryan." He said this, looking completely confused and experiencing difficulty breathing.

Then he quickly looked at the document again, seeing clearly in black and white the name of the person who filed the complaint—it truly was his Aryan who had filed a case alleging that Zahra had been raped. He closed his eyes in agony and let out a breath. He felt another sharp pain in his chest; his mouth went dry and tasted bitter. His head was throbbing as if it was about to split in two. All at once, a fierce, high fever overwhelmed him. He felt as though it would be better if he died and left this world rather than face what was about to happen to him. He slid off the sofa and lay face down, shivering continuously.

As for Aryan, after dropping off Hajja Kaka and the others at home, he drove straight to the court where he had filed the complaint, to make preparations for tomorrow's court session on Monday.

Abba, on the other hand, watched Aryan leave with a dark, intense look. Overwhelmed by profound weakness, he stood up and headed to his bedroom. He sat on the bed, buried his face in both hands, and slumped into a heavy, troubled posture. His eyes were bloodshot. He couldn't do anything except press his lips together and bite them. He stared unblinkingly at the doorway, while deep down in his heart, prayers were running wild—though even I do not know what kind of prayers they were. I only noticed that he seemed to be gripped by intense fear and apprehension of impending disaster.

In Hajja Inna’s parlour, after Hajja Kaka and Aryan had left, Maman Yusuf moved closer to Zahra, who was still silent, rolling her eyes as if she hadn't yet returned to her senses. Aunty Amarya was sitting nearby, still weeping; her eyes were swollen and shut tight, and even her lips were swollen and red, completely changing her appearance. Ummi stood by, sneering and casting a calculated, scheming look at Aunty Amarya. Hajja Inna cracked a kola nut, put it in her mouth, adjusted her seating, and said: "Hmm, we shall see wonders! I knew long ago that Zahra had brought trouble upon herself—something worse than this. Well, ever since she was divorced and seemed to care nothing about discipline, didn't you expect this?"

Mama bowed her head, shedding tears, and pulled Zahra into her embrace. She quickly supported her as Zahra clutched onto her tightly, tears streaming down her face. Ummi turned around and walked out just as Daddy walked in. Ummi had never seen such sheer panic on her husband's face as she did today; his entire complexion had turned from fair to fiery red, like someone scalded with hot water. By all indications, Daddy must have spent the night crying too, for his eyes were swollen. He went and sat beside Aunty Amarya, who was wailing, and stared at her. He felt a mixture of intense bitterness and disgust toward her character and habits, yet deep down in his heart, he also pitied her. Daddy had accepted that this was a tragedy written for their lineage, and they had no power or trick to evade what God had decreed. He knew very well that Aunty Amarya was careless with the children's upbringing. Though everyone in the house helped care for Zahra, this was the most bitter and painful test their family had faced in its entire history.

He shut his eyes tightly, listening to the sound of her crying—which she had sustained all night in a harsh voice—and said: "Maryam, you started weeping too early. You should have saved your tears until the time you saw your daughter become a laughingstock to our neighbors, to cry over what your negligence has caused. Truly, you do not deserve to be called a good mother, because you failed to protect and honor the trust God gave you. God is my witness, I fulfilled all the duties God placed upon me toward you all. I sheltered you, fed you, clothed you, cared for you in sickness, and educated you. If you don't remember, you even finished your education in my house. I kept track of everyone's affairs; everyone in the house watched over your children because you were a mother indifferent to proper upbringing. As for me, I had to go out to earn an honest living—there was no way I could just sit at home. But you, I stopped you from working despite your education, and I set aside salaries for you and your co-wife, giving you everything so that you would stay at home close to our children at all times. Yet, things went wrong, and even security was provided in this house, but it was all in vain. Now look at the result—your daughter's life has been tainted in a way that can never be erased."

He fell silent for a moment, wiping the tears rolling down his face onto his beard. He stared at Zahra for a while, then looked at Maman Yusuf, who was also crying. He shook his head, recalling the disrespectful way Aryan had confronted them earlier. Daddy had bluntly rebuked Aryan and warned him that even if Yusuf had a dispute with Zahra over her behavior, Aryan had no legal right to file a lawsuit. Indeed, Daddy was heartbroken over the rape Zahra had suffered, but he felt an even greater burning anger over the framing and defamation Aryan was trying to inflict upon Yusuf. He turned his head, squeezed his eyes shut, looked at Aunty Amarya, and stood up. Taking a step or two, he said: "Maryam, go to your family house; I divorce you with a single divorce."

Maman Yusuf let out a sharp gasp, shedding hot tears. Hajja Inna turned her head, feeling some pity for her son because she knew he was a patient man. As for Aunty Amarya, she used her hand to wipe her tears and spoke in a faint, trembling voice filled with weeping and useless remorse: "I deserve every punishment you have handed down. Truly, I failed to be a good mother. I despise myself because whatever happened to Zahra is a consequence of my negligence. Ever since Zahra was little, I saw warning signs about her, but though I gave birth to her, young Yusuf became her shield. Forgive me, Daddy Jafar, please pardon me. I know I have hurt your heart and caused the dignity of your household to weaken." Then a loud cry broke from her. Maman Yusuf was already weeping bitterly, feeling deep pity for her husband's younger brother and cousin. Above all, Aunty Amarya herself became a figure of pity, for anyone experiencing useless remorse is truly ruined. Even Hajja Inna felt a twinge of pity for Aunty Amarya's words.

Inside the house, Mami and Nana were in their room crying, neither comforting the other. Jafar stood by the door of Hajja Inna's parlour, hearing everything Aunty Amarya said, and felt deep pity for her. He was certain no one in the world felt worse about what happened to Zahra than she did, yet her negligence had driven Daddy to take such a harsh step against her. As for Zahra, tears continued to stream down her face like a flowing spring. She didn't fully grasp what they were arguing about, but seeing her Daddyn crying broke her heart more than anything else, along with seeing her Aunty cry. She lifted her head, looked at Mama, reached out to wipe the tears from Mama's face, and tried to stand up to go to her father. But she quickly sat back down due to the sharp pain shooting through her. Quickly, Mama supported her and pulled her back into her embrace.

As for Daddy, he walked back to his private quarters, with Jafar following closely behind.

Aunty Amarya came over to Zahra and said softly: "My Zahra, please forgive me. Truly, I failed to be a good mother to you. I didn't care to monitor your upbringing, nor did I focus on praying for you. Now I see the fruits of my negligence." She rushed away, heading straight to her bedroom, sat on the bed, and wept a heartbreaking, bitter cry. Her eldest son—their older brother—entered the room, sat beside her, and said gently: "Please, Aunty, stop crying like this. Enough tears won't fix anything. This is how Allah ordained Zahra's life; it wasn't your negligence." Weeping, she replied: "No, Ibrahim, it was my negligence! I am to blame, and everyone will hold my carelessness responsible. Is that it? Has Zahra lost her honor?" He turned his head away and said: "Aunty, Zahra is not a prostitute. She was forced and raped. Don't you see? It wasn't her fault, and it wasn't your fault either. Besides, if you don't stop crying, how do you expect Zahra to cope?" He continued to comfort her.

Maman Yusuf supported Zahra and took her straight to her own apartment, entering the bathroom where she prepared warm water to bathe and soothe Zahra's body. Then she looked at her gently and said: "Zahra." Zahra didn't answer or even look at her. When Mama called her name a third time, she said: "Zahra, look at me if you hear me." Zahra raised her head and looked at Mama. Realizing Zahra heard her, Mama said with pity: "Make your intention and take your ritual bath (ghusl), then come and perform the prayers you missed." Zahra lowered her head and shed hot tears, because she had never in her life taken a ritual bath related to such matters, since up until today she had never experienced menstruation. Mama knew this as well. Mama stepped out into the kitchen, made some tea, and brought it back. She placed the cup on the table, went to the bathroom door, and said softly: "Goggon Abba, come out when you're done."

By now, Zahra's pain had lessened slightly thanks to the injections and the hot compresses Mama had applied, and her fever had gone down, leaving only a severe headache. She moved slowly. She put on a pair of long trousers and a long top that Mama had brought, then walked out slowly. She picked up a prayer mat to make up for her missed prayers. Seeing this, Mama walked over, took her by the hand, led her to the edge of the bed, made her sit down, and began feeding her tea. Without objection, she began to drink, feeling a fierce, gnawing hunger since she hadn't eaten since yesterday morning—she hadn't even eaten lunch yesterday because she was busy making the bride's snacks. She squeezed her eyes shut as the tea tasted as though it had been boiled over blazing coals. Enduring it, she drank half the cup, then pulled back. She picked up a bottle of water from the dressing mirror, took a sip, rinsed her mouth, walked over to the window, slid the glass open, and spat the water outside. Then she proceeded to perform the prayers Mama had instructed her on. After finishing, Mama gave her medications to take, laid her down to rest, and said: "Get some sleep." Zahra nodded in agreement.

Mama then walked out to the kitchen, prepared a simple breakfast, and took some to Hajja Inna and Iya Shatu. Afterward, she prepared a tray for Abba and headed to his parlour. Finding the parlour quiet and empty, she left the tray on the dining table and walked toward the bedroom. She greeted him twice, but hearing no response, she greeted him a third time and pushed open the bedroom door, knowing that today Abba was in a terrible state. She quickly rushed to his side upon seeing him sitting like a statue, clutching his head with both hands, his eyes blazing as though they might spew fire. By all indications, he had been sitting like that for a long time. She sat on the carpet beside him and called out: "Abban Yusuf! Abban Yusuf...! Abban Yusuf...!!" He heard her, but could not answer, only letting out a deep sigh. With great effort, he squeezed his eyes shut, feeling a wave of pity for her. How would she feel when she heard the accusation Aryan had leveled against Yusuf?

Softly, Maman Yusuf began to speak: "Abban Yusuf, every hardship comes with relief. Please, do not dwell on this so much." He slid down onto the floor next to her and pulled her into his embrace. In a low voice, he said: "Maman Yusuf." She raised her head and stared at him as he called her name, her heart beating loudly. He pulled her closer and said with apprehension: "Maman Yusuf." She took a deep breath, dreading whatever he was about to say. When she remained silent, he urged her to answer: "Yes, Abban Yusuf." Hearing her reply, he mustered his strength and asked: "Have you spoken with Yusuf?" She shook her head "no," her fear intensifying. Averting his gaze, he said: "And have you spoken with Aryan?" She shook her head again. "Umm," he muttered, adjusting his posture to face her directly, staring intently into her eyes. "Well, call your son and interrogate him. Because Aryan came to me with the allegation—or rather, his firm claim—that it was Yusuf who raped Zahra, not Idris. And he has already filed a lawsuit against Yusuf."

Mama gave a violent start, clutched her chest in sheer terror, shock, and panic, and cried out loudly: "No, I don't believe it! God forbid, it couldn't be my Yusuf—it must be some other Yusuf! Or else Aryan has lost his mind. I know Aryan would never do such a thing to my Yusuf." He reached out, pulled her close, made her sit down, and explained everything Aryan had told him, adding: "Now, we must wait and see what the court investigates and uncovers." He tightened his facial expression and said: "Pray that your son is not found guilty of this crime. If Aryan's claim proves true, then Yusuf will face the punishment of God, and from that moment on, he is no longer mine. Therefore, question your son, and advise him not to play with the law. Make sure he tells you the truth, because I swear, if I find him guilty of this crime, I pity the path his life will take."

Mama's entire body went limp; a terrible wave of fear and dread overwhelmed her. She could see the harshness and severity in Abba's eyes. It was clear he would go even further than he said if Yusuf was proven guilty. Hot tears began streaming down her cheeks. She jumped up quickly and hurried out, walking straight to her room where she sat beside Zahra, who still couldn't sleep—every time she closed her eyes, she relived what had happened. Mama buried her face on the edge of the bed and let out a heartbreaking, orphan-like cry that pierced the soul. Zahra just stared at her. Weeping profusely, Mama grabbed Zahra's hand and asked with a trembling voice: "Zahra, who raped you?" Silence. Zahra just stared with wide eyes. Weeping, Mama cried out: "Aryan, why are you doing this to me? What did Yusuf do to you that you would pursue him with such a wicked accusation? Aryan, why would you shatter my happiness? Why did you wait until Abba started softening toward Yusuf and longing for his return? Why did you choose to tell Abba instead of telling me?" She clutched Zahra tightly and wailed: "Zahra, did you hear what Aryan said? He claims your Hamma Yusuf raped you and he has filed a lawsuit against him."

Zahra gave a sudden start, then shook her head back and forth as warm tears ran down her face. Mama pulled Zahra into her arms and cried: "Please, Zahra, tell me the truth. I swear, if Yusuf really raped you, don't be afraid—tell me. I will tell your father so that divine justice can be served." Zahra still could not find her voice, because ever since the incident, she had been in a state of dazed shock. Mama was beside herself, crying as if her soul was leaving her body. "I know my Yusuf is not an adulterer. I know it! Why are you doing this to me, Aryan? Why, Aryan? I treated you like my own flesh and blood, I loved you just like Yusuf." Mama wept and rambled on and on.

Meanwhile, Aunty Amarya had packed her bags to return to her family home, but Hajja Inna declared she was going nowhere. She told her to go back to her room and complete her waiting period (iddah) right there, whether Daddy took her back or not. Aunty Amarya had no choice but to return and stay. As for Mami, she cried endlessly, feeling two crushing blows: her younger sister was raped, and their mother was divorced.

After Mama left, Abba dressed and went out. Before leaving, he went upstairs to see Daddy. He found Daddy and Jafar in the parlour. Sitting beside Daddy, Abba showed his true colors and said: "Well, Aliyu, you've heard what Aryan came to me with, right? He said he told you, but you scolded him because you don't like the truth." With a tight, deeply distressed face, Daddy replied: "Well, this time around, you will just have to exercise patience, Brother Muhammad. I swear, what you and Aryan are planning has no backing from me." Furious, Abba stood up and declared: "Well, it will happen with my backing! And I am fully behind Aryan's investigation. I swear, if he is found guilty of this crime, the whole world will know." Before Daddy could make a move, Abba stormed out. Daddy sat back down in deep distress. Jafar looked at his father with pity and anxiety over what this new development would bring to their family, and said softly: "Daddy, please have patience. In sha Allah, Hamma Yusuf will not be disgraced, because he did not commit the crime he is accused of. This is just wicked framing by a false friend whom you trusted—they say, 'Beware of the evil of the one you have treated kindly.'" Deeply troubled, Daddy sighed and said: "May Allah bring us relief from this terrible ordeal." He looked at Jafar with a broken expression and asked: "Jafar, what can I do to protect Yusuf from this evil plot? How can I get him out of this?" Jafar quickly replied: "Daddy, I am a witness! At the time the incident happened, Hamma Yusuf wasn't even at the house. We were together at the fuel station, and we returned to the house together when the news reached us. Daddy, I will be Hamma Yusuf's witness, in sha Allah. Brother Aryan's wish will not come true." And so they continued to discuss how the situation would unfold.

Abba walked out to the compound's parking lot, moving with intense anger and agitation. Adda Zulaihat, who had just been brought by her husband to check on Zahra's health, walked past Abba and said weakly: "Abba, good morning." He didn't hear her or even see her; his heart was boiling with rage. She greeted him three times, but he ignored her completely. Instead, he revved his car and sped off. Seeing this, Zulaihat grew alarmed and hurried into the house.

She walked straight to Mama's bedroom, having heard the sound of crying. Upon entering, she rushed to Mama, who was weeping heartbreakingly. Ummi and Aunty Amarya (who was also crying) had heard Mama's crying and entered the room as well. Panic escalated in the house as Mama explained what Aryan intended to do. They were all thrown into confusion. They tried to comfort Mama and give her strength. Hajja Inna clicked her tongue, looked at Zulaihat—who was panicked and asking what was happening—and said: "Well, it was bound to happen! What's so surprising or unbelievable about it? If someone told me a dozen youths did something, I'd believe it about Yusufa. You all know he is capable of worse. A boy who thinks of himself as a stallion, riding on strength, wealth, and a lack of discipline—remember what he was like when he was studying abroad. If this is about rape, well, he's just getting started. If you ever see him stop, it will only be when I have his father beat this hoodlum until he's docile."

Fear gripped Zulaihat even more, as she didn't understand her grandmother's harsh words. With tears in her eyes, she looked at Ummi—whose eyes were completely dry, without a single tear—and asked: "Please, Ummi, what is going on?" Ummi sighed and said: "Uhm, my dear, youths these days require extreme caution. You see a boy looking quiet and innocent like a man of God, but inside he's deceitful. Just look at the rape that happened to Zahra—turns out it was Yusuf who did it, God forbid! And Aryan, the good boy, is the one who brought the truth to light." Zulaihat let out a sharp gasp and burst into tears, shaking her head as she said: "He is not a hypocrite, and Yusuf could never do such a thing! They are framing him. Ummi, do you really believe this?" Indifferently, Ummi replied: "Of course I believe it! Why shouldn't I? His own close friend said it—someone who lives right with him. Whatever Aryan says about Yusuf, the whole world will believe it." With that, she walked out looking quite pleased with herself. Hajja Inna followed her. Weeping, Zulaihat said: "Mama, please call Yusuf. Maybe he will answer your call so we can hear it from him, because I've been calling him since dawn..."

Analytics & Commentary

1. Narrative & Thematic Analysis

• The Anatomy of Rumor and Betrayal: The chapter explores how accusations destroy family unity faster than facts. Aryan’s move to legally prosecute his associate/family member introduces a devastating wedge.
• The Generational Divide in Justice: The older figures (Abba, Hajja Inna, Ummi) represent rigid, fatalistic, or cynical viewpoints—some eager to believe the worst out of preexisting biases, while others (like Daddy and Jafar) seek rational defense despite being overwhelmed.
• Maternal Suffering: The narrative heavily emphasizes the psychological torture of mothers (Mama and Aunty Amarya) who feel their failures or perceived negligence have birthed catastrophic consequences.

2. Character Dynamics Table

Conclusion

This chapter acts as a classic high-drama turning point in a modern Hausa domestic novel. It raises the stakes by pitting brother against brother, friend against friend, and parent against child through an explosive allegation. The emotional resonance is driven by grief, helpless despair, and the looming shadow of the judicial system ready to tear the family apart.