Lailah, The Hijab Girl | Story by Halimah bint Hassan
Chapter One
The rise of Lailah
Lailah was born to a religious family in Ihima, an enclave of Ebiraland in Kogi State Nigeria.
Her father Dr. Hassan was an adherent of Islamic faith and his wife Bilkis. They met each other in Bayero University Kano during their undergraduate days and got married after their university education. Hassan studied Medicine while Bilkis studied English Language. Hassan got a paid job at one of the federal government hospitals, like many Muslims, he preferred his wife to be a house wife to be able to have enough time for the children as he promised to provide anything she needs.
They were very good Muslim, always observe the five daily Islamic prayer, give charity, fast during Ramadan and perform pilgrimage to the Holy Kabba.
Lailah was pretty, dedicated, honest and very religious. she would make sure she put on her hijab before going out and when at home. Her parents provided everything she ever asked for. She was enrolled in one of the best schools in Ihima. Citadel International was a household name in Ihima, resident in Ihima and environs would rather go for loan to enroll their wards in Citadel International than enrolling them in the free schools introduced by government.
With her mother's efforts, Lailah rose to stardom at a tender age. At 8, she became the youngest pupil to win cowbell mathematics quiz competition and Orange Spelling Bee nationwide. Whenever teachers were advising the pupils, they always refer to Lailah for other pupils to see and emulate. The pupils in her class began to envy her but it never deterred her. "Nobody is progressing without having enemies" Laila always say.
Lailah had a friend called Fauzeeyah. Fauzeeyah was few years older than Lailah. She was also religious, observe the five daily Islamic prayer and other compulsory aspect of her religion. She is also intelligent but not Lailah's match.
Chapter Two
Lailah nicknamed
Lailah was in primary five, it was about time for her to write her common entrance examination. She studied very hard and advised Fauzeeyah to do the same, she often read with her friend and solve difficult questions together. "We will come out with flying colour Inshaa Allah " Lailah whispered to her friend.
They read ahead of their teachers, whenever a teacher is in their class, they often ask and answer questions.
Lailah's school did not permit the use of hijab, she struggled to use it whenever she's in the school, as a result of this she was nicknamed "Lailah, the hijab girl."
Chapter Three
Exam. Hall
Few days to the common entrance examination, Lailah became afraid. "Don't be afraid, do your best, be prayerful and have faith in Allah." Her mother advised her a day to the examination. She heed to her mother's advice and put her trust in God.
On the day of the examination, Lailah wore her hijab and set for school as soon as possible. "Why only you is on hijab, are you different from other students? " Mr. Ibrahim the invigilator queried. She replied politely that she's a Muslim and it's an important aspect of her religion to put on hijab. "Allah Subhana Wataallah in Quran 33: 59 ordered all the believing women to use hijab to cover their outer garment" Lailah explained in a calm voice. Ibrahim was surprised at her words and imagined the level of intelligence of the little girl and the boldness in her voice as she speaks. "take and start your exam" Ibrahim said.
As soon as Lailah was given her paper, she wrote so fast and even smiled while writing because God answered her prayers and she was able to write her examination with ease.
Chapter Four
Lailah Earns Scholarship
Lailah's result came out and she was the best pupil of the year. She was given scholarship that will cover her secondary school education. Ibrahim came to Lailah's school and asked about the secret behind her rare intelligence. She simply told him that it was Allah's favour. "I have been prayerful and always seek Allah's blessing whenever I read. Whoever has faith in God and do what He has commanded will surely earn His pleasure and see help in time of difficulty" Lailah explained. This statement got Ibrahim thinking, he sighed and concluded Lailah is such a wonderful and amazing girl everyone would want to have as a daughter. Lailah smiled and walked back to her class.
Hassan was highly impressed about his daughter's performance, as soon as the school resumed for a fresh session, he went to the state government scholarship board for her daughter's scholarship, soon enough Lailah was admitted in the prestigious Government Girls Unity Secondary School Oboroke.
Chapter Five
Life in Gov. Girls Unity Sec. Sch.
It was on Saturday morning the day scheduled for Lailah to go to school. Her father had help her to pack her belongings and moved them to the car trunk. Soon the car ignition started, Bilkis tried to control herself and continuously waved her daughter until the car was no more in sight.
Lailah arrived in her new school 12:00pm, her father took her to the staff quarters to see the principal who immediately called the hostel portress to allocate space for her in one of the hostels.
Hassan showed the evidences of Lailah's scholarship from the state government to the principal and went straight to her daughter to say goodbye. Lailah became angry as soon as her father zoomed off. Zahro, Rufeidah and Blessing, her new roommates did their best to console her and told her about their similar experience the first day they resumed the school and how they now miss the lovely activities in the school whenever they go for holiday.
Life in Government Girls Unity Secondary School was not all rosy as Lailah envisaged. Her first day in the school was a sad day for her as she continuously think of her mother. She thought of how she will survive alone without her loving mother whom she always shares her ideas with and offer her the best advice. "Don't worry about me, be focused on your studies and always know my prayers are with you", She suddenly remembered her mother's parting words.
Lailah composed herself and fight hard to adjust to the new life in Government Girls Unity Secondary School.
Lailah and Amirah became friends on the first day of resumption. Amirah was a beautiful girl but not as beautiful as Lailah. She was an orphan who lost her parents on the 2012 Dana plane crash.
She was under the care of her Uncle, Suleiman. Lailah felt pitied for her after hearing her story and advised her not to let her condition weigh her down. They became very close but the only problem Lailah had with her friend was her refusal to use hijab. Amirah would always say the heat of the sun is already too much for her talk more of adding hijab to it. Lailah simply replied her friend that the heat of this life can be stiffened but the heat and punishment of the hereafter is everlasting and the joy of this life has an end while the joy of the hereafter is everlasting. "Now tell me, is it the joy of this life that matters to you than the everlasting joy of the hereafter?"
Amirah looked at her and was unable to answer her because she was very surprised at Lailah's intelligent reply.
Chapter Six
Lailah Met Ibrahim
It was on Monday morning, Lailah woke early to prepare for school. After the morning assembly, she went to her class to prepare for the first subject they have. As she waited for the teacher, she was surprised to see Ibrahim the invigilator she had met at her common entrance examination. Ibrahim was surprised to see Lailah in the class putting on hijab again. To ascertain his thoughts, he walked to Lailah and asked for her name. "What's your name young lady and why are you putting on hijab", Ibrahim asked. My name is Lailah, I am a Muslim and my religion teaches me to appear with my hijab wherever I am. Ibrahim cut in as she made advance to quote the section of Quran that supports the use of hijab.
Ibrahim became certain that Lailah is the smart girl he met at the common entrance examination. He became very found of Lailah and value her boldness and intelligence whenever he was in her class.
Chapter Seven
Lailah's Request Granted
Lailah was in SS2, it was a year to herSSCE examination. Her friend advised her to register for the examination since she is capable. She thought about the advice and decided to contact her mother. Her mother told her that she will inform her father and get back to her. Her father approved the the idea and went to her school to inform her principal. After listening to Hassan's request for his daughter, the principal told him that she will allow Lailah to register for the examination on condition that she will test her to be certain if she is qualified for the exam. Lailah's excellent performance on the test was a big surprise for the principal and couldn't deny her the opportunity to join the SS 3 students to sit for the SSCE examination.
Amira was very happy to see Lailah's request granted. She advised her friend to study hard not just to pass the examination but to set a record the school will always recall. Lailah thanked Amirah for being not only a good friend but also a good sister to her. She always pray for her whenever she is observing the five daily prayer for Allah to make her see reasons to put on the hijab. They are not only friend but also sister to each other. They always advise each other, cry and laughed together.
Lailah's prayers on Amirah was granted when Amirah walked to her one day with a hijab. Lailah couldn't utter a word, Amira slowly walked to her, bend down with her glittering hijab and whispered to her ear "I've seen reason I shouldn't walk with out hijab, thank you for guardian me to this righteous path."
Chapter Eight
Scholarship After WAEC
The day for the waec finally came, Lailah woke up early and took her bath and get herself prepared.
She arrived at the hall, took her seat and prayed for Allah's help. She soon composed herself and awaits God blessings. The supervisor, Mr. Adeiza, a tall looking handsome young man entered the class with the first paper. After sharing the papers to the students, he instructed them to carefully read the instruction before any attempt to answer the questions.
After reading the instructions, Lailah opened the question paper by saying Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim which literary mean in the name of Allah, the most high, the most gracious, the most merciful, a tradition of Prophet Muhammad Peace be Upon him she learnt from her parents.
While Lailah was writing, the supervisor came to her and asked why she's wearing hijab and asked if she's not feeling heat. With a friendly look, Lailah smiled and said she is not feeling heat. The supervisor was surprised because he thought hijab was meant for those who are not brilliant but Lailah's case has proven him wrong because her body was covered and not her brain.
Two months after, the results were released, Lailah has A's in all her subjects. She was given scholarship to that will cover her university education. Her parents joy knew no bounds, she thanked Almighty God who always help her in any situation in her life, then her parents, her friends who always give her good advice and finally the principal who took her like his own daughter.
Chapter Nine
Life in Ahmadu Bello University
Lailah gained admission into Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria to study medicine at the age of 17 years. Bilkis became worried about her daughter, Lailah will now stay far away from home and she has no relative in Zaria she said to herself severally. Though Lailah has been away from home during her secondary school days but the distance from Ihima to Zaria is not comparable to the outskirt of Ihima where Lailah did her secondary school.
Lailah assured her mother that she will continue to be a good girl.
It was Friday evening, Lailah was arranging her luggage when her mother came in to her room. She sat at Lailah's bed and continuously stared at her. Lailah turned and discovered her mother was staring at her, she reassured her mother not to worry about her that she will be fine.
Lailah could not sleep at that night, she thought severally about her journey to the University. She woke early at dawn, took her bath, dressed and pulled out her luggage. Her father drove her to the motor park in Okene where she boarded cab plying Zaria route. Before Hassan part with her daughter, she advised her to be conscious of Allah in all her dealing. "Remember Allah will see every step you are going to take, remember the family you hail from and remember paradise is your ultimate goal. Don't let your quest to get university education deprive you of that" Lailah nodded in agreement. He then walked to the driver and told him to alight Lailah at the University gate, Zaria.
He then turned back to Lailah, "May Allah guide you with His safe arms to your destination," Lailah's ameeen could be heard by other passengers in the cab.
On their way, Lailah saw amazing things and continuously uttered "Allah is the most greatest."
Lailah arrived safely, she was welcomed by her new roommates. She became tired and exhausted after the long journey but still happy because it was her first time of embarking on such long journey.
After her registration, she started her lecture with all manner of seriousness. Lailah was going for lecture one day when she heard a voice calling her name, the voice sounds familiar she thought to herself. She turned and to her surprise, it was Fauzeeyah, her primary school mate. She rushed to her, and quickly embraced each other. They walked to the class together discussing the good old days in primary school. Everyone on campus see Lailah like and angel because she never remove her hijab or hang around with boys but pay full concentration to her studies. Many people earlier believed that people wearing hijab are those who are poor, and dull. But Lailah has proved them wrong. She is beautiful, intelligent, religious, and well-behaved. Some rascals on campus were always disturbing her about how beautiful she look but she wouldn't listen to them and she will just tell them that she is not interested.
Chapter Ten
Rescue Mission
Abdulmalik is a religious, brilliant, and handsome young man. He was in the same department with Lailah. Abdulmalik was from influential family, the son of a renowned business man Alhaji Abubakar. Abdulmalik heard of Lailah's story from his friends and pick interest in her.
One day, Abdulmalik was entering the school cafeteria when he sighted Lailah sitting with Fauzeeyah. He gently walked to them, and exchange pleasantries. Abdulmalik became a close friend to Lailah after she discovered the level of his Islamic understanding and his seriousness in his studies.
Everyone was surprised about how Abdulmalik was able to make friend with Lailah.
Few weeks after Lailah's meeting with Abdulmalik, on her way from one of the super markets before university gate, four boys blocked her way. She tried to move but they held her back. One of the boys told her that she thinks she is the only one that's intelligent and religious on campus. So they are here to teach her the lesson of her life. Suddenly, Lailah saw Abdulmalik running towards them. He rescued her from the rascals. He was hurt by the boys but it doesn't matter to him since he was able to free Lailah from them. Lailah was very grateful for his help and vowed never to forget the day. She became worried about how the wounds Abdulmalik sustained, but he told her not to worry herself and promised to take care of it.
Chapter Eleven
Lailah Graduates from University
Six years later, Lailah graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria as one of the best students. She returned home to her parents and they were very happy to be together again. She was posted to one of the federal hospitals in Portharcourt for her one year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). She was very obedient, kind and hospitable. All the nurses and doctors in the hospital like her. Whenever patients were brought to the hospital, they prefer being attended to by Lailah because of her kindness and patience. She would get up from her seat to attend to the patients, she would calm them down, attend to their needs and told them not to worry that they will soon be alright.
One afternoon, Lailah was on duty, suddenly there was a loud sound from the highway. It was soon discovered to be an accident. An unconscious man in a pool of blood was brought to her ward. Lailah in her usual good will, rushed down from upstair, on seeing the condition of the man, she led the nurses on duty and took the man to male ward on emergency unit.
She ignored her colleagues complaints that the man should not be treated until they are able to ascertain the man's personal details. She tried her best to convince her colleagues to save the man's life first before any other thing and quickly dressed the man's wounds.
The man was grateful to Lailah for her help when he became conscious. But he always imagined why she is the only one on hijab. One morning, he decided to ask her, Lailah told him that she is a Muslim and it's important for all believing women to cover themselves. The man looks at her and said to himself that she is good and very religious that his son would like to spend the rest of his life with her.
Chapter Twelve
Reunion
Lailah was checking the patients in the ward, she went to the old man she helped few days ago. She met him in a good condition with his families. The man had earlier informed his son about Lailah. Lailah greeted the man asked about his health, "I am getting better", he replied.
It was a surprise when Lailah turned to her right and saw Abdulmalik, the young man he graduated with in ABU who happened to be her confidant while in school. The man introduced his son to Lailah, "she is the one God use to save my life" he said. Abdul Malik told his father that they graduated from the same university and that they were also best friend during their undergraduate days.
The reunion came at the right time. They became very good friends than before, people started spreading rumours of their love affairs.
Abdulmalik like her so much that he hide nothing about his life from her, Lailah on the other hand did the same.
Chapter Thirteen
Lailah's Wedding
Abdulmalik and Lailah became more than friends. After few weeks, Abdulmalik took the bold step and proposed to Lailah. She gladly accepted and took him to her parents for introduction. Hassan and his wife couldn't hold their joy, and prayed for their daughter for the wonderful steps she has taken. Alhaji Abubakar was happy too because he knew that Lailah would be a good wife for his son.
Few months after the introduction, they announced the date of their weeding. The parents of the would be couple were happy for the choice and invite their friends and relatives for their children's wedding.
The wedding was a fantastic one and became the talk of town. They both came from rich families, items used for the ceremony were very expensive and enough foods and drinks for the guests.
One year after, Lailah gave birth to a baby girl whom they named Hidayah which literally mean "the guide". Hidayah was beautiful than her mother. The couple with their new born baby relocated to London. There Lailah met her friend Fauzeeyah. Fauzeeyah was already married too. The two friends lived in the same street. Fauzeeyah had a new baby boy whom he named Khalid. Lailah discovered that Fauzeeyah got married the same day as her, something that made her to think there's something common between her and her friend.
Lailah lived happily with her husband and her daughter everafter.
Lailah, The Hijab Girl is a story written by Halimah bint Hassan a JSS 3 student of Markaz Ahlis-Sunnah Waljama'ah (MASWAJ) Group of school Ohara Ogidi Ihima, Okehi LGA of Kogi State.
Edited by Isah Bala.
The rise of Lailah
Lailah was born to a religious family in Ihima, an enclave of Ebiraland in Kogi State Nigeria.
Her father Dr. Hassan was an adherent of Islamic faith and his wife Bilkis. They met each other in Bayero University Kano during their undergraduate days and got married after their university education. Hassan studied Medicine while Bilkis studied English Language. Hassan got a paid job at one of the federal government hospitals, like many Muslims, he preferred his wife to be a house wife to be able to have enough time for the children as he promised to provide anything she needs.
They were very good Muslim, always observe the five daily Islamic prayer, give charity, fast during Ramadan and perform pilgrimage to the Holy Kabba.
Lailah was pretty, dedicated, honest and very religious. she would make sure she put on her hijab before going out and when at home. Her parents provided everything she ever asked for. She was enrolled in one of the best schools in Ihima. Citadel International was a household name in Ihima, resident in Ihima and environs would rather go for loan to enroll their wards in Citadel International than enrolling them in the free schools introduced by government.
With her mother's efforts, Lailah rose to stardom at a tender age. At 8, she became the youngest pupil to win cowbell mathematics quiz competition and Orange Spelling Bee nationwide. Whenever teachers were advising the pupils, they always refer to Lailah for other pupils to see and emulate. The pupils in her class began to envy her but it never deterred her. "Nobody is progressing without having enemies" Laila always say.
Lailah had a friend called Fauzeeyah. Fauzeeyah was few years older than Lailah. She was also religious, observe the five daily Islamic prayer and other compulsory aspect of her religion. She is also intelligent but not Lailah's match.
Chapter Two
Lailah nicknamed
Lailah was in primary five, it was about time for her to write her common entrance examination. She studied very hard and advised Fauzeeyah to do the same, she often read with her friend and solve difficult questions together. "We will come out with flying colour Inshaa Allah " Lailah whispered to her friend.
They read ahead of their teachers, whenever a teacher is in their class, they often ask and answer questions.
Lailah's school did not permit the use of hijab, she struggled to use it whenever she's in the school, as a result of this she was nicknamed "Lailah, the hijab girl."
Chapter Three
Exam. Hall
Few days to the common entrance examination, Lailah became afraid. "Don't be afraid, do your best, be prayerful and have faith in Allah." Her mother advised her a day to the examination. She heed to her mother's advice and put her trust in God.
On the day of the examination, Lailah wore her hijab and set for school as soon as possible. "Why only you is on hijab, are you different from other students? " Mr. Ibrahim the invigilator queried. She replied politely that she's a Muslim and it's an important aspect of her religion to put on hijab. "Allah Subhana Wataallah in Quran 33: 59 ordered all the believing women to use hijab to cover their outer garment" Lailah explained in a calm voice. Ibrahim was surprised at her words and imagined the level of intelligence of the little girl and the boldness in her voice as she speaks. "take and start your exam" Ibrahim said.
As soon as Lailah was given her paper, she wrote so fast and even smiled while writing because God answered her prayers and she was able to write her examination with ease.
Chapter Four
Lailah Earns Scholarship
Lailah's result came out and she was the best pupil of the year. She was given scholarship that will cover her secondary school education. Ibrahim came to Lailah's school and asked about the secret behind her rare intelligence. She simply told him that it was Allah's favour. "I have been prayerful and always seek Allah's blessing whenever I read. Whoever has faith in God and do what He has commanded will surely earn His pleasure and see help in time of difficulty" Lailah explained. This statement got Ibrahim thinking, he sighed and concluded Lailah is such a wonderful and amazing girl everyone would want to have as a daughter. Lailah smiled and walked back to her class.
Hassan was highly impressed about his daughter's performance, as soon as the school resumed for a fresh session, he went to the state government scholarship board for her daughter's scholarship, soon enough Lailah was admitted in the prestigious Government Girls Unity Secondary School Oboroke.
Chapter Five
Life in Gov. Girls Unity Sec. Sch.
It was on Saturday morning the day scheduled for Lailah to go to school. Her father had help her to pack her belongings and moved them to the car trunk. Soon the car ignition started, Bilkis tried to control herself and continuously waved her daughter until the car was no more in sight.
Lailah arrived in her new school 12:00pm, her father took her to the staff quarters to see the principal who immediately called the hostel portress to allocate space for her in one of the hostels.
Hassan showed the evidences of Lailah's scholarship from the state government to the principal and went straight to her daughter to say goodbye. Lailah became angry as soon as her father zoomed off. Zahro, Rufeidah and Blessing, her new roommates did their best to console her and told her about their similar experience the first day they resumed the school and how they now miss the lovely activities in the school whenever they go for holiday.
Life in Government Girls Unity Secondary School was not all rosy as Lailah envisaged. Her first day in the school was a sad day for her as she continuously think of her mother. She thought of how she will survive alone without her loving mother whom she always shares her ideas with and offer her the best advice. "Don't worry about me, be focused on your studies and always know my prayers are with you", She suddenly remembered her mother's parting words.
Lailah composed herself and fight hard to adjust to the new life in Government Girls Unity Secondary School.
Lailah and Amirah became friends on the first day of resumption. Amirah was a beautiful girl but not as beautiful as Lailah. She was an orphan who lost her parents on the 2012 Dana plane crash.
She was under the care of her Uncle, Suleiman. Lailah felt pitied for her after hearing her story and advised her not to let her condition weigh her down. They became very close but the only problem Lailah had with her friend was her refusal to use hijab. Amirah would always say the heat of the sun is already too much for her talk more of adding hijab to it. Lailah simply replied her friend that the heat of this life can be stiffened but the heat and punishment of the hereafter is everlasting and the joy of this life has an end while the joy of the hereafter is everlasting. "Now tell me, is it the joy of this life that matters to you than the everlasting joy of the hereafter?"
Amirah looked at her and was unable to answer her because she was very surprised at Lailah's intelligent reply.
Chapter Six
Lailah Met Ibrahim
It was on Monday morning, Lailah woke early to prepare for school. After the morning assembly, she went to her class to prepare for the first subject they have. As she waited for the teacher, she was surprised to see Ibrahim the invigilator she had met at her common entrance examination. Ibrahim was surprised to see Lailah in the class putting on hijab again. To ascertain his thoughts, he walked to Lailah and asked for her name. "What's your name young lady and why are you putting on hijab", Ibrahim asked. My name is Lailah, I am a Muslim and my religion teaches me to appear with my hijab wherever I am. Ibrahim cut in as she made advance to quote the section of Quran that supports the use of hijab.
Ibrahim became certain that Lailah is the smart girl he met at the common entrance examination. He became very found of Lailah and value her boldness and intelligence whenever he was in her class.
Chapter Seven
Lailah's Request Granted
Lailah was in SS2, it was a year to herSSCE examination. Her friend advised her to register for the examination since she is capable. She thought about the advice and decided to contact her mother. Her mother told her that she will inform her father and get back to her. Her father approved the the idea and went to her school to inform her principal. After listening to Hassan's request for his daughter, the principal told him that she will allow Lailah to register for the examination on condition that she will test her to be certain if she is qualified for the exam. Lailah's excellent performance on the test was a big surprise for the principal and couldn't deny her the opportunity to join the SS 3 students to sit for the SSCE examination.
Amira was very happy to see Lailah's request granted. She advised her friend to study hard not just to pass the examination but to set a record the school will always recall. Lailah thanked Amirah for being not only a good friend but also a good sister to her. She always pray for her whenever she is observing the five daily prayer for Allah to make her see reasons to put on the hijab. They are not only friend but also sister to each other. They always advise each other, cry and laughed together.
Lailah's prayers on Amirah was granted when Amirah walked to her one day with a hijab. Lailah couldn't utter a word, Amira slowly walked to her, bend down with her glittering hijab and whispered to her ear "I've seen reason I shouldn't walk with out hijab, thank you for guardian me to this righteous path."
Chapter Eight
Scholarship After WAEC
The day for the waec finally came, Lailah woke up early and took her bath and get herself prepared.
She arrived at the hall, took her seat and prayed for Allah's help. She soon composed herself and awaits God blessings. The supervisor, Mr. Adeiza, a tall looking handsome young man entered the class with the first paper. After sharing the papers to the students, he instructed them to carefully read the instruction before any attempt to answer the questions.
After reading the instructions, Lailah opened the question paper by saying Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim which literary mean in the name of Allah, the most high, the most gracious, the most merciful, a tradition of Prophet Muhammad Peace be Upon him she learnt from her parents.
While Lailah was writing, the supervisor came to her and asked why she's wearing hijab and asked if she's not feeling heat. With a friendly look, Lailah smiled and said she is not feeling heat. The supervisor was surprised because he thought hijab was meant for those who are not brilliant but Lailah's case has proven him wrong because her body was covered and not her brain.
Two months after, the results were released, Lailah has A's in all her subjects. She was given scholarship to that will cover her university education. Her parents joy knew no bounds, she thanked Almighty God who always help her in any situation in her life, then her parents, her friends who always give her good advice and finally the principal who took her like his own daughter.
Chapter Nine
Life in Ahmadu Bello University
Lailah gained admission into Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria to study medicine at the age of 17 years. Bilkis became worried about her daughter, Lailah will now stay far away from home and she has no relative in Zaria she said to herself severally. Though Lailah has been away from home during her secondary school days but the distance from Ihima to Zaria is not comparable to the outskirt of Ihima where Lailah did her secondary school.
Lailah assured her mother that she will continue to be a good girl.
It was Friday evening, Lailah was arranging her luggage when her mother came in to her room. She sat at Lailah's bed and continuously stared at her. Lailah turned and discovered her mother was staring at her, she reassured her mother not to worry about her that she will be fine.
Lailah could not sleep at that night, she thought severally about her journey to the University. She woke early at dawn, took her bath, dressed and pulled out her luggage. Her father drove her to the motor park in Okene where she boarded cab plying Zaria route. Before Hassan part with her daughter, she advised her to be conscious of Allah in all her dealing. "Remember Allah will see every step you are going to take, remember the family you hail from and remember paradise is your ultimate goal. Don't let your quest to get university education deprive you of that" Lailah nodded in agreement. He then walked to the driver and told him to alight Lailah at the University gate, Zaria.
He then turned back to Lailah, "May Allah guide you with His safe arms to your destination," Lailah's ameeen could be heard by other passengers in the cab.
On their way, Lailah saw amazing things and continuously uttered "Allah is the most greatest."
Lailah arrived safely, she was welcomed by her new roommates. She became tired and exhausted after the long journey but still happy because it was her first time of embarking on such long journey.
After her registration, she started her lecture with all manner of seriousness. Lailah was going for lecture one day when she heard a voice calling her name, the voice sounds familiar she thought to herself. She turned and to her surprise, it was Fauzeeyah, her primary school mate. She rushed to her, and quickly embraced each other. They walked to the class together discussing the good old days in primary school. Everyone on campus see Lailah like and angel because she never remove her hijab or hang around with boys but pay full concentration to her studies. Many people earlier believed that people wearing hijab are those who are poor, and dull. But Lailah has proved them wrong. She is beautiful, intelligent, religious, and well-behaved. Some rascals on campus were always disturbing her about how beautiful she look but she wouldn't listen to them and she will just tell them that she is not interested.
Chapter Ten
Rescue Mission
Abdulmalik is a religious, brilliant, and handsome young man. He was in the same department with Lailah. Abdulmalik was from influential family, the son of a renowned business man Alhaji Abubakar. Abdulmalik heard of Lailah's story from his friends and pick interest in her.
One day, Abdulmalik was entering the school cafeteria when he sighted Lailah sitting with Fauzeeyah. He gently walked to them, and exchange pleasantries. Abdulmalik became a close friend to Lailah after she discovered the level of his Islamic understanding and his seriousness in his studies.
Everyone was surprised about how Abdulmalik was able to make friend with Lailah.
Few weeks after Lailah's meeting with Abdulmalik, on her way from one of the super markets before university gate, four boys blocked her way. She tried to move but they held her back. One of the boys told her that she thinks she is the only one that's intelligent and religious on campus. So they are here to teach her the lesson of her life. Suddenly, Lailah saw Abdulmalik running towards them. He rescued her from the rascals. He was hurt by the boys but it doesn't matter to him since he was able to free Lailah from them. Lailah was very grateful for his help and vowed never to forget the day. She became worried about how the wounds Abdulmalik sustained, but he told her not to worry herself and promised to take care of it.
Chapter Eleven
Lailah Graduates from University
Six years later, Lailah graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria as one of the best students. She returned home to her parents and they were very happy to be together again. She was posted to one of the federal hospitals in Portharcourt for her one year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). She was very obedient, kind and hospitable. All the nurses and doctors in the hospital like her. Whenever patients were brought to the hospital, they prefer being attended to by Lailah because of her kindness and patience. She would get up from her seat to attend to the patients, she would calm them down, attend to their needs and told them not to worry that they will soon be alright.
One afternoon, Lailah was on duty, suddenly there was a loud sound from the highway. It was soon discovered to be an accident. An unconscious man in a pool of blood was brought to her ward. Lailah in her usual good will, rushed down from upstair, on seeing the condition of the man, she led the nurses on duty and took the man to male ward on emergency unit.
She ignored her colleagues complaints that the man should not be treated until they are able to ascertain the man's personal details. She tried her best to convince her colleagues to save the man's life first before any other thing and quickly dressed the man's wounds.
The man was grateful to Lailah for her help when he became conscious. But he always imagined why she is the only one on hijab. One morning, he decided to ask her, Lailah told him that she is a Muslim and it's important for all believing women to cover themselves. The man looks at her and said to himself that she is good and very religious that his son would like to spend the rest of his life with her.
Chapter Twelve
Reunion
Lailah was checking the patients in the ward, she went to the old man she helped few days ago. She met him in a good condition with his families. The man had earlier informed his son about Lailah. Lailah greeted the man asked about his health, "I am getting better", he replied.
It was a surprise when Lailah turned to her right and saw Abdulmalik, the young man he graduated with in ABU who happened to be her confidant while in school. The man introduced his son to Lailah, "she is the one God use to save my life" he said. Abdul Malik told his father that they graduated from the same university and that they were also best friend during their undergraduate days.
The reunion came at the right time. They became very good friends than before, people started spreading rumours of their love affairs.
Abdulmalik like her so much that he hide nothing about his life from her, Lailah on the other hand did the same.
Chapter Thirteen
Lailah's Wedding
Abdulmalik and Lailah became more than friends. After few weeks, Abdulmalik took the bold step and proposed to Lailah. She gladly accepted and took him to her parents for introduction. Hassan and his wife couldn't hold their joy, and prayed for their daughter for the wonderful steps she has taken. Alhaji Abubakar was happy too because he knew that Lailah would be a good wife for his son.
Few months after the introduction, they announced the date of their weeding. The parents of the would be couple were happy for the choice and invite their friends and relatives for their children's wedding.
The wedding was a fantastic one and became the talk of town. They both came from rich families, items used for the ceremony were very expensive and enough foods and drinks for the guests.
One year after, Lailah gave birth to a baby girl whom they named Hidayah which literally mean "the guide". Hidayah was beautiful than her mother. The couple with their new born baby relocated to London. There Lailah met her friend Fauzeeyah. Fauzeeyah was already married too. The two friends lived in the same street. Fauzeeyah had a new baby boy whom he named Khalid. Lailah discovered that Fauzeeyah got married the same day as her, something that made her to think there's something common between her and her friend.
Lailah lived happily with her husband and her daughter everafter.
Lailah, The Hijab Girl is a story written by Halimah bint Hassan a JSS 3 student of Markaz Ahlis-Sunnah Waljama'ah (MASWAJ) Group of school Ohara Ogidi Ihima, Okehi LGA of Kogi State.
Edited by Isah Bala.
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