Nabila stood from among the seated contestants. As soon as she rose, the entire hall erupted with takbir. She went forward and stood before Alaramma Sa’ad.
Her prizes included:
A Hajj seat
A full scholarship to Jami’atul Madina
A cash prize of 5 million naira
Nabila was overwhelmed with joy. She was then invited to speak. She said:
“All I can say is alhamdulillah. I know this success contains neither my tricks nor my cleverness. Allah chose me. I wish everyone goodness. I call especially on my fellow youth to seek knowledge, because Allah Himself said, ‘Know Me before you worship Me.’ Let us seek knowledge, for it will brighten our lives. Thank you.”
After the event ended, people began leaving.
Alaramma Sa’ad
As Nabila walked outside looking for her senior master, someone called her name sharply. She turned and saw Alaramma Sa’ad.
He greeted her and said, “Do you remember that I once sent you a message about my feelings? We met when traveling for da’awah to Mai Gatari, and Allah brought you across my path again in Gashua. And even though you refused to speak to me or tell me your name, Allah has now revealed everything I needed to know about you. So Nabila, what do you say about my intention toward you now?”
Gently, Nabila replied, “Malam, thank you very much. I appreciate your feelings, but the problem is… I’m already with someone. Please forgive me—not because of anything else but because of this reason.”
Alaramma Sa’ad said, “I’m not satisfied with that reason. I won’t hide it—I truly desire you as my wife. I will do everything I can to marry you. But I’ll leave you for now. I can come to your house anytime.”
He left her standing in distress. Senior master found her like that, worried. He asked, “Are you okay? What’s wrong?”
Startled, she said, “Nothing, sir. I just didn’t see you and felt worried.”
He laughed. “So today you’re the queen of tears? If you had been flogged today, you would’ve cried for real.”
Pouting, she said, “Sir, flogging?”
“Let’s go home,” he said.
Damaturu
When they landed in Damaturu, Alhaji and the entire family—along with Aunt Na’ima and Aunt Basira and their children—had arrived in a coaster bus to welcome Nabila and senior master. They all rejoiced and returned home, where Garzali and Mubaraq were already preparing a feast.
A grand meal was prepared—mostly different kinds of meat and kindirmo mixed with honey. Everyone served themselves, giving senior master plenty of the ram meat.
After eating, senior master said, “MashaAllah. Alhaji, may Allah increase your wealth. And you, Nabila, Allah bless you. I’ll be going now.”
