Literature

By Dr Shamsuddeen Sani

It’s very easy to ignore this book. Underrate it even. I found myself rereading it for many days, given the enormous importance of the topic, especially in the contemporary discourse in Muslim-majority countries about woman’s leadership. Being a recent publication in 2020, and although the author didn’t explicitly state it, it appears to be building to improve upon earlier work by the late Moroccan feminist writer and sociologist Fatima Mernessi with her book, The Forgotten Queens of Islam.

Shahla Haeri embarks on a journey of gendering the historical narrative of sovereignty and political authority in the Muslim world, shedding light on the lives of Muslim women leaders who defied the norms of dynastic and political power to rise as sovereigns in their deeply patriarchal societies.

The author’s usage of the term “queen” is not meant to be taken literally for all six prominent figures discussed in the book but rather to signify their immensely influential leadership roles during their respective eras. While recognising the significant impact of numerous women in Islamic history who exerted influence behind the scenes, Haeri emphasises those women who stood at the forefront of the political machinery, actively engaging with the structures of authority and power.

She doesn’t just relay the historical milestones of these great women in historical Islam but brings in a fresh perspective on how we look at the concept of women’s leadership in the Islamic tradition. The author situates women rulers’ rise to power within three interrelated domains: kinship and marriage, patriarchal rules of succession, and individual women’s charisma and popular appeal.

This book prompts deep contemplation on patriarchy within the pre-modern normative Islamic tradition. But one needs to be careful because the author appears to be overly problematising patriarchy in some instances significantly beyond what we consider as would have been normal in pre-modern Islam. She did allude, however, to the critical role of men in women ascending to positions of political authority. 

Structurally, this book has a Preface and Introduction and is broken into three main parts with two body chapters. Part I, Sacred Sources of Authority: The Qurʾan and the Hadith, lays the background for her accounts, with a deep examination of the primary sources of the Qurʾan and hadith, through the Qurʾanic story of the Queen of Sheba and the biography of the Sayyida Aisha (RA). Haeri relays the Quranic account of the dramatic encounter between King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, popularly known as Bilqis. Drawing primarily from Tha’alabi and al-Tabari, the book cross-examines the sovereignty of Bilqis and connects the Quranic revelations with what she believes was the exegetes’ medieval patriarchal reconstructions.

Part II of the book is about Medieval Queens: Dynasty and Descent. In Chapter 3, the book explores the leadership life of the long reign of the Ismaili Shiite Yemeni queen. It examines Queen Arwa’s fascinating political acumen and how she survived the political and power succession tussle dealing with the 3 Fatimid caliphs of Cairo. Chapter 4 examines the short sovereign rule of the only female sultan of the 13th century Delhi Sultanate, Razia Sultan: ‘Queen of the World Bilqis-i Jihan. 

The 3rd part of the book, which explores the contemporary Queens and examines the institutionalisation of succession, provides an in-depth look at Benazir Bhutto and Megawati Sukarnoputri but will not spoil more here for the interesting details in the book.

Haeri concludes this work of ethnohistory which is deeply personal as she peppers in the concept of the “paradox of patriarchy,” which refers to the historical tradition of power succession among men, particularly fathers and sons, or even brothers, whose family ties legitimise the customary transfer of power. She quickly alludes that the relationship between fathers and sons can be a source of tension and rivalry, where they may fear, resent, or even seek to eliminate each other. In contrast, father-daughter relationships tend to be more personally fulfilling and have fewer political consequences for the father. The preference of patriarchs for their daughters is not only driven by self-preservation but also by their recognition of their daughters’ talents and political astuteness.

Dr Shamsuddeen Sani wrote from Kano. He can be reached via deensani@yahoo.com.

By Hafsah Ja’afar

The Subtle Art of Not Given a F*ck is a book with a provoking unconventional tone that challenges traditional sundries of happiness and success. Penned by Mark Manson, this book presents a refreshingly honest and no–gibberish approach to living fulfilling lives. Manson argues that true happiness and particular growth come from accepting our limitations, embracing discomfort, and understanding that life is innately difficult and delicate.

He encourages his readers to prioritize their values and choose what truly matters to them instead of seeking constant positivity or avoiding negative gests. Throughout the book, Manson explores colourful themes such as responsibility, authenticity, and the significance of setting boundaries.

He advocates for letting go of societal prospects, embracing failures, and learning from them. He suggests that we can lead a more meaningful and authentic life by fastening on what truly matters to us—using a mix of particular stories, philosophical perceptivity, and detailed advice.

Manson provides readers with a fresh perspective on changing happiness and purpose. It encourages them to let go of external confirmation, embrace their defects, and control their lives.

Overall, this book offers a counterintuitive yet empowering gospel that challenges everyone to rethink their precedence, review success, and live a life guided by their values rather than the prospects of others.

Hafsat Ja’afar is a school teacher and wrote from Kano via jaafarhafsat@gmail.com

By Hafsah Ja’afar

It is a captivating and insightful book that explores the concept of Ikigai, a Japanese philosophy that translates to ‘reason for being’ written by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles. This book delves into the wisdom and practices of the people of Okinawa, one of the world’s blue zones. The people of that region are known for their longevity and well-being.

The authors take readers on a journey to discover the essence of Ikigai, which lies at the intersection of four fundamental elements: What we love, what we are good at, what the world needs, and what we can be rewarded for. Drawing from extensive research and interviews with residents of Okinawa, the authors reveal how living a life driven by Ikigai can bring profound fulfilment and joy.

Through engaging anecdotes and practical guidance, the book offers valuable insights into how to uncover one’s Ikigai and cultivate it in daily life. It explores the importance of finding purpose, maintaining a strong sense of community, adopting a positive mindset, and embracing simple yet meaningful pleasures.

Ikigai provides inspiration and actionable steps to help readers discover and pursue their own Ikigai. It highlights the significance of aligning personal passions with contributing to the greater good, emphasising that a life rooted in meaning and purpose can improve well-being, longevity, and overall happiness.

With its blend of cultural wisdom and contemporary research, Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and happy life guides individuals seeking a more fulfilling and balanced existence. It offers practical tools and profound insights to help readers unlock their inner purpose, embrace the present moment, and lead a life of greater significance and contentment.

One of the surprising things about living in Japan is how active people remain after retirement. Many Japanese people never retire but rather keep doing what they love for as long as they are ‘hale and hearty’. There is no word in Japanese that means “leaving the workforce for good” as it is in English.

According to National Geographic reporter Dan Buettner, having a purpose or reason for being is so fundamental in Japan and the Japanese culture that the word retirement ceases to exist. The art of staying young while growing old is a choice you make; a healthful diet, a strong sense of community, and Ikigai (reason for being) play a significant role in their eternal youth, most especially in Okinawa (the island of eternal youth), one of the blue zones where centenarians the extraordinary human beings live in massive numbers.

Hafsat Ja’afar is a school teacher and wrote from Kano via jaafarhafsat@gmail.com

By Dr Shamsuddeen Sani

Where I got History of Imamship of Kano by Muhammad Wada is somewhat hazy in my memory, but it is an MA thesis that underwent a transformative process. The author undertook significant efforts to draw from diverse historical sources. This task merits recognition due to the inherent challenges associated with such an endeavour in the Kano historical tradition.

Despite its small physical size, this book ambitiously tackles a weighty subject matter. The initial chapter, which ideally should have served as a generous introduction, takes a look at the historical backdrop concerning the role of Imams within classical Sunni Islam. In doing so, it imparts valuable insights into their spiritual and intellectual significance. The second chapter charts the evolution of the Imams’ role within the classical religious culture of Kano before the advent of the Sokoto Jihad.

Commencing with the arrival of the Wangarawa during the 14th century, their influence played a pivotal role in the domestication of Islam as a state religion during that era. With the gradual expansion of their spiritual responsibilities and socio-political influence within the royal court, the Imams assumed a central position within the annals of Kano’s historical tradition.

The third chapter examines the transformative impact of the Sokoto Jihad at the turn of the 19th century, bringing about substantial changes to the role of Imams and how they were selected. These changes also served to define an expanded set of functions for the state-appointed Imam.

The author peppers fragments from the biographies of early post-Jihad Kano Imams alongside pivotal milestones punctuating their official lives. As the colonial powers exerted their influence in the early 20th century, the 4th chapter examines how the role of Imams underwent a notable shift, culminating in their formalisation within the judicial council, albeit with a subsequent reduction to primarily spiritual functions.

The book’s final chapter highlights the Imams and their ever-evolving roles from post-independence to the present. Moreover, it investigates the expansionist developments surrounding the establishment of Friday congregational prayer mosques across the state. While the book serves as a comprehensive introductory exploration of its subject matter, it might require additional intellectual depth that one might expect within broader, modern academic discourse.

There are also some ectopic clerical errors in the book that could have been identified and corrected before printing. While acknowledging the inherent challenge of achieving complete neutrality in historical works, it is reasonable to expect greater nuance and fairness in a work of this nature.

Dr Shamsuddeen Sani wrote from Kano. He can be reached via deensani@yahoo.com.

By Zahra Batul

A Nigerian entrepreneur and investor, Taslim Ahmed Iya has made a significant contribution towards resolving Nigeria’s protracted economic woes with the unveiling of his book, Nigeria Unlocked: Unleashing the Potential of a Great Nation. 

The 60-page book comprehensively analyses Nigeria’s current challenges and a practical roadmap for restructuring its economy. 

Interestingly, it is a product of intense research by an expert in economics and business who has obtained degrees in Economics and Management from Bocconi University in Italy. 

Taslim is also the CEO of Eximus Partners, an investment management firm focused on Long-Term Investments and Private Equity in Nigeria, Europe and the US.

The book draws from case studies and best practices from other successful emerging economies, presenting a bold vision for Nigeria’s future. 

From addressing corruption and creating a more transparent governance structure to promoting entrepreneurship and creating a skilled workforce, “Nigeria Unlocked” offers a comprehensive roadmap for revitalising the Nigerian economy and improving the lives of its citizens.

The inspiring book is available nationwide in Roving Heights and Spine and Label Bookstores.

Also available on Amazon in e-book and physical copy format

The author also worked as a Management Consultant in various industries, including Oil and Gas, Insurance, Real Estate, FMCG, Supermarkets, and Restaurants. 

His extensive experience in these industries has given him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities businesses face in today’s ever-changing market.

His latest literary work is essential reading for policymakers, business leaders, economists, and anyone interested in Nigeria’s economic future. It provides a clear and compelling vision for transforming Nigeria into a vibrant and prosperous nation that serves as a beacon for the rest of Africa and the world.

Apart from his professional endeavours, Taslim is also a passionate entrepreneur, having founded Uncle Tee’s, a restaurant chain in Nigeria, among others. 

He is also deeply committed to improving the education system in Nigeria. He is the founder of Youth Compass Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing educational opportunities for young people in the country.

Zahrah Batul wrote via xahrabatul91@gmail.com.

By Dr Shamsuddeen Sani

I thought The Lebanese in Kano: An Immigrant Community in a Hausa Society in the Colonial and Post-Colonial Periods merely contained a handful of newspaper tales. I was mistaken! Within its pages lies a meticulously researched body of work, a testament to the cultural heritage of Kano that begs to be savoured and preserved for generations to come. It has profound glimpses into the very foundations of Kano’s societal evolution as it illuminates the paramount role played by the Lebanese community in the rich Kano’s historical traditions.

This book, published in 1995 and authored by S.A. Albasu, unfolds with an intricate chronology of eight captivating chapters. As the introduction sets the stage, the initial chapter gracefully delves into the existing body of literature on migration, skilfully intertwining it with the historical fabric of West Africa and Nigeria. Embracing a tangent in the second chapter, Albasu illuminates the emigration of the Lebanese into Kano, beginning in the mid-19th century.

However, a pivotal juncture in Lebanese history within Kano emerged in 1920, a defining moment marked by profound geographical and religious divisions among the Lebanese migrants. The historical catalysts propelling Lebanese emigration into Nigeria were meticulously examined within this segment.

It becomes apparent that prior to the 1920s, the Lebanese immigrants in Kano predominantly belonged to the Maronite Christian community. It is only after this period that a demographic shift occurs, welcoming the arrival of Muslim Lebanese, particularly those of the Shiite sectarian extraction hailing from southern Lebanon. The book exposes the reader to the sociocultural intricacies of the Lebanese community’s towns of origin and unravels the fabric of their society, dispelling prevailing myths.

The entire Lebanese migration into Kano is thoughtfully categorised into four distinct phases, each meticulously explored with great detail: 1890-1903, 1903-1912, 1912-1920, and the 1930s during the tumultuous period of the great depression. Each of these phases represents a significant milestone in the history of the Lebanese community within Kano, as well as its impact on the city’s socioeconomic development.

Subsequent chapters of this book delve into the physical establishment of the Lebanese community, intricately entwined with crucial historical policies such as colonial taxation, the indirect rule system, and segregation policies.

Chapters four, five, and six embark on an exciting journey, covering the consolidation of the Lebanese community within Kano’s vibrant business milieu. From the thriving cattle trade to the realms of Kolanut and groundnut businesses, the book unfurls the profound influence of factors like colonial intervention, the upheaval of the Second World War, Nigeria’s independence, and the burgeoning national consciousness. The book has revelations of ground-breaking nature, leaving you enlightened and astounded, and for me, every piece seamlessly falls into place now.

By Abdullahi Haruna Kandash

In my opinion, Mayan Mata is one of the best series, if not the best movie ever produced in Kannywood. The movie portrays the vicious circle of poverty, a retinue of marriages, the mutilation of pregnant women and how children in society are raised with no regard for their futures.

Sadik Sani Sadik thinks nothing a man should be ashamed of if he bullies his wife. In the series, his pregnant wife faces a crisis despite her pregnancy. Unfortunately, they lost the child by miscarriage. Jamila Nagudu experiences petty humiliation after her one and only child is taken to Almajiranci. Daso’s son is a nasty disciple, too, a spoiled one. He was taken to Almajiranci when he was a child. He follows the gang and gets spoiled.

The movie portrays what really sabotages relationships, couples and children’s futures. The best part of this movie tells us that there are people in society with more clout who show no concern for other children and other women whose lives have been shattered by the cruelty of their spouses. I became truly interested in the movie after I watched some episodes. And I have seen many things that happen in real life portrayed in the movie. The director has done a wonderful job.

Kannywood should continue to bring cultural identities into its movies. The director also depicts literature, art and culture in the movie, and all these can be vividly seen in the different scenes of the film. Literature, art and culture are not something we can simply despise. They are like the air we breathe. And If we cut them off, the whole world will suffer.

Literature has enormously helped so many movies to gather an audience because of its literariness. Manyan Mata pictures exactly what is happening in our communities nowadays. It shows how parents treat their children with contempt. The director shows us how our societies are sliding backwards and experiencing immaturity.

But the best part of it, however, is that it teaches us how to understand the beauty of humanity, that everyone’s life matters.

Fati Washa experiences a worst-case scenario with her deceased mother’s co-wife. After watching the scene where her mother’s co-wife was trying to burn her schoolbooks rudely, I sensed that the movie is trying to tell us that societies that achieve better prosperities are those where huge investments are made in education. These are societies where every child is allowed to go to school to learn. This part also attempts to show us that every child should have access to education so that just and egalitarian societies can be built.

I hope the director will continue to fight inequality and bring sameness because that is what brings safety, security and a sense of belonging among people.

By Zee Aslam

The door slammed open to reveal a heart-touching moment of a mother struggling to discover her breath as she aimed to bring another life into the world. The birth of a baby is one of the world’s most wondrous and hazardous moments. 

Childbirth is a challenge, but it is undoubtedly one of life’s most rewarding events. As painful and fearsome as it may seem, the mother has this wonderful emotion overwhelming her as she awaits the arrival of her bundle of joy. 

Being a mother comes with lots of sacrifices. Your body figure will be altered, re-moulded, and your brain becomes addled as you are being re-programmed right from the womb swelling with pride down to experiencing the pain of labour. 

Pregnancy is exciting and scary all at the same time. Some days feel like a breeze, while others are just plain hard. However, the long nights with no sleep and mood swings are all worth it. 

Despite all the doctors, nurses, and loved ones in the room during childbirth, it is all about you, your body, and your child. It’s an incredible experience. It’s like uncovering a superpower you never realised you had. 

As she gasped for air while pushing out the baby, she looked around her and reminisced on the decision she took months back, which she never regretted once but still harboured doubts and fears. “What would become of this baby?” She asked herself. 

The cry of her little one signalled the beginning of a new life. She looked keenly as the nurse cleaned up her baby and placed him on her, wrapped in boundless passion. 

The aftermath of her decision just began. At night and when the hospital staff were distracted by an emergency, she stealthily sneaked out and walked miles away to a place where an orphanage was situated before dropping off the baby at the foot of a gate and then knocking at it. 

An elderly woman came out and was attracted to the baby’s cries. She stood halfway, staring at the innocent boy before she reduced her height and picked him up inside. The mother watching from afar, only wiped off tears as they streamed down her face. “That was the best she could do for her baby”. 

She travelled down memory lane to the path where some unknown men abducted, defiled and abused her. Then she thought she only paid the price of being an orphan roaming on the street, but now she knows better. 

Her life took a new turn and brought her to face its realities, she has just given away her soul and a piece of her heart to a total stranger, but she rests assured that her boy will grow up amidst other kids and be a better person. 

She calmly dragged her feet out of that street to what she called home and picked up the remnant from her shattered life, yearning to stitch them back together. 

If she could turn back the hands of time, she would. 

But since it’s beyond her control, she will only move on with her life and keep praying for the best to unfold into a piece. 

By Dansaleh Aliyu Yahya

After reading Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist, this fictional story of a young boy created a river of tears in my gapes. The main character, Santiago, a young lad, dreams and believes that dreams come true when someone follows the way to see them awaken.

At first, he (the boy) taught us that travels were the greatest sources of knowledge, experience, and wisdom when he told his father that he wanted to become a shepherd because of the love he had for knowing the true nature of his world. Nevertheless, he sold his sheep and searched for his “Personal Legend” because he now realised it was more important than just rearing animals.

Throughout the story, we would learn that if the younger person needs to have a useful life, they must learn and believe the philosophy of their older ones. On his journey, Santiago met many good people.

In addition, each of them told him one or more essential facts about life and everything.  For example, he met a king named Melchizedek, who said, “ When you want something, all universe conspires in helping you to achieve it”. I think this is the most important sentence in the book.

The books also taught us that we shouldn’t bother ourselves with our past but instead focus on our present to build a more fantastic future. He was told that when he concentrated on the present, he would always be happy. 

In his treasure search, the boy met a young woman called Fatima. They started loving each other, and he promised her he’d be back one day to marry her. There I remembered the Hausa Proverb that says, “ Garin masoyi baya nisa”. He was about to lose his treasure because of love, but the alchemist summoned him.

The story has a lot of must-be-learned philosophies that couldn’t be mentioned here due to their meanness, but I’ll try to pen down some of them below to build eagerness to read the book in those that didn’t read it. These ideologies include:

— “If you play cards the first time, you’re almost sure to win. It’s called beginners luck.”

— “Everything that happens once can never happen again. But everything that happens twice will surely happen the third time.”

— “Every day was there to be lived or mark one’s departure on one word ‘maktub’”.

— “If you start by promising what you don’t even have yet, you’ll lose your desire to work toward getting it.”

Let me stop here. However, if you have not read the book, you should look for it. I assure you, you won’t be the same person you were before reading it.

Dansaleh Aliyu Yahya can be contacted via dansalealiyu@gmail.com.

By Dr Shamsuddeen Sani

In a flurry of literary exploration, my daughter recently stumbled upon the book entitled Concubines and Power. Her curiosity was piqued as she asked me to explain the meaning of “concubine”. A seemingly simple inquiry prompted a deep and complex conversation encompassing a broad range of considerations about slavery, including its religious underpinnings and contemporary relevance.

That exchange reignited my intellectual curiosity, leading me to revisit the noteworthy insights presented in Jonathan AC Brown’s seminal work, Slavery and Islam. I was compelled to reflect on and share some of the most insightful revelations from this ground-breaking work.

The book meticulously examines the historical context and practice of slavery within the Islamic tradition, as well as the ways in which Islamic law and theology have addressed the institution of slavery. Brown argues that slavery was ubiquitous throughout much of human history and was not unique to Islam.

However, Brown also acknowledges that slavery played a significant role in the development of Islamic civilisation and that the Islamic legal tradition provided a framework for the regulation of slavery. He offers an insightful and nuanced perspective on this complex issue, providing valuable insights into the intersection of religion and human rights.

Brown’s book highlights a fundamental premise: the Islamic tradition’s nuanced and intricate approach to slavery. On the one hand, Islamic law allowed for the practice of slavery; on the other, it imposed stringent limitations on how slaves could be treated and offered opportunities for manumission. According to Brown, these regulations illustrate a deep-seated concern for the well-being of slaves and a profound appreciation of their inherent human dignity.

At the same time, Brown acknowledges that there were significant abuses of the institution of slavery within Islamic societies. For example, he notes that some Muslim scholars and rulers sought to justify and perpetuate the practice of slavery through a misinterpretation of Islamic teachings and that many slaves were subjected to inhumane treatment.

He argues that while there are certainly instances of slavery and human trafficking that occur in Muslim-majority countries, these practices are not inherently Islamic and are often the result of broader social and economic factors.