ABOUT THIS BOOK
Description
The Prayer for Muazzam
She sat on her prayer mat, crying earnestly as she begged Allah to give her Muazzam. Her sobs came with intensity as she said repeatedly, “Ya Allah, please grant me Muazzam, look upon me and help me, for he is my only desire always.” She wept so much that her entire face was red and messy — her tears mixed with mucus, and her swollen eyes showed how long she had been crying.
Realizing that sitting there wouldn’t change anything, she folded her prayer mat and lay on her bed, lost in deep thought — wondering whether she would ever marry Muazzam or not.
Manaal’s Morning and Hidden Love
The next morning, a beautiful young girl, about 15 or 16 years old, came out of her room, greeting “Assalamu alaikum” softly as she walked gracefully on the carpet, careful as though she didn’t want to step hard on it. She entered the living room where an elderly woman sat and greeted her, “Good morning, Mommy.”
“Good morning, my daughter. Did you sleep well?”
“Yes, Mommy, I did.”
“That’s good,” the woman smiled and held her daughter’s hand, sitting her beside her.
Then she looked at her closely and said, “Manaal, what’s wrong with you? You’ve been crying — your eyes are red and swollen. Tell me, what’s bothering you?”
Manaal smiled faintly and replied, “It’s nothing, Mommy. My eyes just hurt a bit, and I have a headache.”
Her mother hugged her and patted her back gently. “Sorry, my daughter. Come, let me give you medicine. Then you’ll rest — you won’t go to school today since you’re not feeling well.”
The mention of not going to school startled Manaal because she had wanted to go — even if only to see her beloved Muazzam. She began thinking quickly of what to tell her mother so she could go. After a moment, she smiled, having found an idea.
“Mummy,” she interrupted quickly, “I really want to go to school today because I have an exam, and I don’t want to miss it.”
Her mother looked at her with concern but finally nodded. “Alright then, stop crying. Take your medicine and go.”
Manaal took her medicine happily, thanked her mom, and went outside where the driver was already waiting. He opened the car door, and she got in, smiling brightly as they drove off toward school.
The Arrival of the Powerful and the Secret of Muazzam
Meanwhile, in Kano, inside a luxurious government residence along the state route near Tarauni, a convoy of shiny black vehicles — about a dozen — began driving out. In the middle was a striking white car, surrounded front and back by the black ones, like a presidential escort. The convoy sped off until they reached a top-class school attended only by the children of the rich and powerful.
As they arrived, the gates were flung open immediately. Security men and students began saluting as the cars drove in and stopped inside the school compound. From the black cars, bodyguards stepped out, rushing to open the door of the white car in the middle.
After a few seconds, a tall, handsome young man emerged — about 27 years old, fair-skinned, well-built, and elegantly dressed. His aura commanded respect. That was Muazzam.
The students whispered in admiration as he and another young man, Aliyu, walked majestically toward the administration office, escorted by guards.
At the same time, Manaal’s car also arrived at the school. Her best friend Amal ran toward her with excitement and hugged her tightly.
“Manaal!” Amal said, smiling.
Manaal quickly asked, “Amal, have you seen Muazzam? Has he come?”
Amal frowned; she disliked Muazzam deeply. “Please, don’t mention him to me,” she said coldly and walked away. Manaal followed her quietly into class.
Not long after, the exam papers were shared. Everyone began writing — except Manaal. She rested her chin on her hand, lost in thought about her beloved Muazzam. Amal nudged her, whispering,
“Manaal, what are you doing? You haven’t written anything!”
Manaal looked up with teary eyes. “I’ve finished,” she lied, pushing away the paper filled with random marks. Amal grabbed it — only to see that the entire sheet was covered with the name Muazzam.
“Manaal, are you out of your mind?” Amal whispered. “Stop this madness before it ruins you!”
Manaal snapped, tears falling. “Leave me alone, Amal. I love him! He’s the only one I want in this world. I don’t care what happens!”
Then she ran out of the class crying, leaving Amal speechless.
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