Zumuntar Kenan Part 1 Complete Hausa Novel

The Magnificent Giwa Residence and Its Matriarch
 
When you approach the town of Giwa from the southeast, the first building to capture your attention is a grand modern mansion with a red roof and towering steel gates — popularly known as Mahdi-ka-ture. Inside this gated area lies an estate that contains fifteen modern flats.
Above the estate’s entrance, written in shining golden letters, are the words “ABUBAKAR BAMALLI GIWA ESTATE.”
 
Among these fifteen flats, the first house stands out — it is larger than all the others and the only one with an upper floor. The owner of this magnificent home is an elderly woman of about seventy-five years old, named Hajiya Hadiza Giwa, fondly called Hajjah by her children and grandchildren.
 
Surprisingly, despite the mansion’s vast size, Hajjah lives there alone as the sole woman of the house. She gave birth to all her fifteen children, one after another, without ever having a co-wife or rival. According to the townspeople, this is due to the deep love her late husband, Abubakar Bamalli Giwa, had for her, as well as her good character and respectful conduct toward everyone.
 
After her husband’s death, her children never felt abandoned. Hajjah became their support and guide — firm yet loving. She raised them with discipline and moral values, allowing no one to disobey or make decisions without her consent. Her wisdom and intelligence made her aware of every move her children or grandchildren made, and she was admired for her sharp mind and steady principles.
 
Her grandchildren adore her more than their own parents. Many of them live permanently in what they call “Babban Gida” (the big house) because of her warmth, delicious meals, and her gift for storytelling and comforting them. Yet, she still enforces discipline — if anyone misbehaves, she lets their fathers handle the punishment, though she herself never beats them beyond a light scold or playful pinch.
 
The Giwa Family Lineage and Prosperity
 
After the passing of Alhaji Abubakar Bamalli Giwa, Hajjah maintained his wish that their descendants intermarry within the family bloodline — a tradition still strictly upheld. This practice has expanded their family tree within and beyond Giwa, and their distinct Bamalli facial mark makes them easily recognizable.
 
Late A.B. Giwa was a wealthy man, descended from generations of farmers in Giwa. He owned more than ten vast farmlands, producing crops like maize, millet, sorghum, wheat, rice, yam, potatoes, and vegetables. He also owned numerous rental properties in Giwa, Zaria, and Kaduna.
 
His legacy continues through his children:
 
Alhaji Mukhtar A.B. Bamalli, head of Bamalli Food Crops and Cash Crops Production in Kaduna, is the eldest.
 
Professor Ahmadu A.B., a lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University, teaches agricultural sciences.
 
Alhaji Na’ibi A.B. manages the family’s farms within the estate.
 
Ibrahim A.B. oversees their rental properties in Kaduna.
 
Barau A.B. handles produce distribution to markets across towns.
 
Sani, Sadi, and Salisu A.B. each head different sectors of the family’s business.
 
 
Among the daughters:
 
Aunty Hauwa is married to Alh. Sabi’u Kwangila and lives in Kaduna.
 
Yaya Ladidi lives in Zaria as a teacher.
 
Yaya Hafsatu is married within Giwa.
 
Aunty Rabi, the youngest, recently married Yaya Muftahu, who works with Zain in Kano.
 
 
Hajjah herself comes from a respected family in Zaria’s Tukur-Tukur area, though marriage brought her to Giwa. She has never left the estate since her husband’s death, working tirelessly to keep their family united.
 
The Bamalli descendants are known for their light skin, tall stature, and proud bearing. Outsiders often mistake their confidence for arrogance, but in truth, they are well-educated, composed, and deeply conscious of their heritage. Their family wealth continues to grow, as they faithfully pay zakat (charity) and honor divine obligations in their earnings.
 
The Estate’s Lifestyle, Faith, and Harmony
 
Within the A.B. Bamalli Estate, there is a large mosque where all five daily prayers are performed punctually — men and women separated by curtains. Everyone, from children to elders, prays in congregation unless a serious reason prevents them. Their Imam, Baba Barau, calls the adhan, prompting all family members to leave what they are doing and head to the mosque.
 
Beside the mosque stands a small family clinic, with a monthly-paid doctor and nurse ensuring the health of all family members. The family also dominates the Giwa main food market, where nearly half of the shops belong to them.
 
Most of the men studied Agricultural Engineering or Agricultural Science at Ahmadu Bello University, continuing their father’s legacy, while the women pursued various fields:
 
Aunty Hauwa studied Quantity Surveying,
 
Ladidi studied Education and works as a teacher,
 
Hafsatu studied Home Economics,
 
Rabi studied Journalism and works at Freedom Radio in Kano.
 
 
Despite her age, Hajjah remains energetic and youthful, thanks to the joy she receives from her children and grandchildren. She suffers from none of the common illnesses of old age. Her eldest son, Alh. Mukhtar, is especially devoted to her, managing her affairs and obeying her in all matters.
 
No one in the estate makes major decisions without Hajjah’s knowledge and approval. She even personally arranges marriages among the younger generation, believing it preserves the family bond. Today, she still lives among her descendants — grandchildren and great-grandchildren — continuing to guide them with wisdom, faith, and unity.