YAN TA'ADDA BOOK COMPLETE BY Jikar Rabo.txt

<p>The Year 1970</p><p>The courtyard was filled with people; everywhere you looked, there was celebration. Some were playing horse games, others were performing traditional dances, some were playing wind instruments, while others sang or played the kalangu drums.</p><p>There were various festivities, reflecting the traditional Hausa entertainment of the past. Everyone wore bright smiles, radiating happiness.</p><p>The servants rejoiced, as such events gave them a rare opportunity to step out. Praise singers were busy with their performances.</p><p>This was the royal palace of Zazzau, known today as Zaria.</p><p>Zazzau is one of the major emirates in Nigeria. Historically, it expanded through conquests, at one time reaching as far as Suleja in Niger State.</p><p>Among the emirates in West Africa, Zazzau has the highest number of both Western and Islamic schools, earning it the title Zazzau, the City of Knowledge.</p><p>Zazzau is also one of the seven original Hausa states founded by Bayajidda, a city of royalty.</p><p>In the year 1970, Emir Abdulsamad was on the throne. He was the son of Abduljalal, who had ruled the land before him, inheriting the throne from his own father.</p><p>Abdulsamad ascended to the throne at the young age of 20 following his father’s passing. Though his father had many children, he had chosen Abdulsamad as his successor because he was the son of Queen Kubra and was known for his wisdom. Before his death, the late Emir had left a will declaring his preference for Abdulsamad as the next ruler.</p><p>At the time of his coronation, Abdulsamad was married to Safina, the daughter of the vizier (waziri). From the age of three, Safina had been trained in the etiquette of royal women. This upbringing made her strict and highly dignified—to the point where even Emir Abdulsamad had to show her respect when it came to matters of authority.</p><p>Safina married Abdulsamad at the age of 15 and was officially named Magajiya (Queen Mother). Her elder brother, Hisham, inherited their father’s title as the vizier.</p><p>However, there was no love in the marriage between Abdulsamad and Safina—it was purely a union of duty. From an early age, Safina had been conditioned to believe her sole purpose was to marry the king and bear him a son who would inherit the throne. This was the expectation set by her parents.</p><p>By their 20th year of marriage, Emir Abdulsamad and Magajiya still had no children. The Emir had four wives and nine concubines, yet none had conceived.</p><p>This caused great distress for both the Emir and Magajiya. She had tried every form of traditional medicine to no avail.</p><p>Determined, she vowed that no woman but her would give the Emir an heir. If she could not bear him a son, then no one else would.</p><p> </p><p>—</p><p>Suddenly, Magajiya started experiencing signs of pregnancy. She claimed that the royal physician had instructed her to stay indoors until she gave birth. Additionally, he had advised that her husband should not come near her, as her womb was weak.</p><p>The Emir, overjoyed at the prospect of an heir, did not question her decision.</p><p>Magajiya completely withdrew from public appearances, allowing only a few trusted servants to attend to her. As her due date approached, she requested to return to her family home.</p><p>Since the Emir had no authority over her, he allowed her to leave.</p><p>Shortly after, news arrived that she had given birth to a baby boy.</p><p>Hisham, her brother, was overwhelmed with happiness. That very day, a grand naming ceremony was held for the child, who was named Abdulmajid.</p><p>While the palace was busy with celebrations, Magajiya remained secluded in her chamber. She sat on a carpeted floor, surrounded by luxurious furnishings. Her brother, Hisham, was the only one with her, as she had dismissed all her attendants.</p><p>She turned to Hisham with an air of authority and said, “Brother, have you forgotten what I told you?”</p><p>Hisham laughed. “Of course not, Magajiya. No one will ever know this secret. Even my wife, Sauda, has been warned never to set foot here or meet Abdulmajid.”</p><p>Magajiya gave a slight smile and said, “From this moment on, I will ensure that no other woman bears a child in this palace. No woman shall conceive, let alone give birth to a potential heir.”</p><p>Hisham smirked and replied, “Magajiya, you are truly brilliant. How did you come up with the idea of faking a pregnancy? Especially after I told you that Sauda was expecting?”</p><p>Magajiya placed a finger on her lips, signaling silence. Then, in a calm but firm voice, she said, “Brother, I told you—my son must inherit this throne. If I cannot conceive, I will use my own bloodline to achieve it.”</p><p>The two exchanged a knowing look, pleased with the plot they had devised.</p><p>Hisham then said, “I told Sauda to stay away for three more months before returning.”</p><p>Magajiya nodded in approval. “That’s wise. It will prevent people from noticing the timing of her pregnancy and delivery. Luckily, she is obedient and did not resist our orders.”</p><p>Hisham scratched his head. “If she ever causes trouble, I will simply send her away.”</p><p>Magajiya, smiling with satisfaction, said, “Make sure to send more of that medicine. The one I have been putting in the other wives’ food is finished.”</p><p>Hisham chuckled. “Magajiya, you are truly ruthless. This is why I respect and admire you. But don’t you think they no longer need the medicine? I believe their wombs are already ruined.”</p><p>Magajiya smirked knowingly, making it clear that she was fully aware—but she still wanted more.</p><p> </p><p>—</p><p>Meanwhile, Emir Abdulsamad was in a state of overwhelming joy.</p><p>After returning from a ceremonial horse ride, one of his attendants informed him that he had a visitor.</p><p>The Emir granted permission for the guest to enter.</p><p>To be continued…</p><p> </p><p> </p>