February 28

|31|

Many years ago...

Within the majestic walls of the Daura emirate, there lived a benevolent and peaceful king, adored by all—King Muzzamil bin Samin. Known for his wisdom, he ruled Daura with a compassionate heart, offering shelter not only to his people but also to visitors who sought refuge and sustenance. The people of Daura revered him, fiercely defending him whenever enemies threatened their borders. King Muzzamil, also called Sultan Muzzamil, had two wives: Maimunatu, his first wife, and Waheeda, his second. However, neither wife had been blessed with a child.

Years passed, and whispers began to circulate. Maimunatu had taken five years without conceiving, prompting concern among the people. It was during this period that Sultan Muzzamil's mother insisted he marry again. This led to the arrival of Waheeda, a sixteen-year-old beauty whose presence captivated all. Yet, three years into her marriage, the now eighteen-year-old Waheeda still had not conceived. Rumors spread like wildfire throughout Daura, suggesting that the Sultan himself might be the cause of his wives' barrenness. The people grew restless, clamoring for an heir to secure the emirate's future. Some, driven by ambition, began to plot his removal from the throne, despite his rightful inheritance from his late father.

Amidst the growing unrest, joyous news broke across Daura: Waheeda was pregnant. Many celebrated, but those eyeing the throne saw this as a threat and began conspiring to eliminate the pregnancy.

"Sannu sarauniyata," Sultan Muzzamil would whisper to Waheeda each night as they prepared for sleep. He would place his hand on her growing belly, and they would drift off, comforted by the life forming within her.

Despite the relentless attacks from Maimunatu and other enemies, Waheeda's pregnancy endured, and she eventually went into labor. When the news spread that Waheeda had given birth to quadruplets, the entire emirate rejoiced. Sultan Muzzamil's joy was boundless; he slaughtered twelve rams—three for each child—along with camels, cows, and other livestock to distribute among the people in celebration.

The four newborns—one boy and three girls, named Mutawwakil, Munaya, Muneefah, and Munnawwar—were healthy and beautiful. They inherited their mother's stunning features; some were fair-skinned with ocean-blue eyes like their father, while others had their mother's caramel complexion and hazel eyes. Mutawwakil and Munaya had their father's fair skin and blue eyes, while Muneefah and Munnawwar had their mother's darker skin and hazel eyes.

The quadruplets thrived in the magnificent palace, cherished by their parents, grandparents, and the people of Daura. When the children turned ten, the girls were already betrothed to princes from neighboring emirates—Kano, Sokoto, and Dutse—while Mutawwakil was rigorously trained for his future role as king.

However, a scandal soon rocked the palace: Waheeda was found in bed with one of King Muzzamil's most trusted friends. Rumors spread like wildfire, accusing Waheeda of infidelity. The striking resemblance between the children and their father was the only thing preventing further speculation about their parentage. But unbeknownst to many, it was all part of a plot orchestrated by Maimunatu to remove Waheeda from the palace.

King Muzzamil, devastated and feeling betrayed, divorced Waheeda and sentenced her to months of hard labor in the palace prison. During this time, the truth finally emerged: Maimunatu was the real culprit, having slept with three of the king's trusted friends. She was found guilty, divorced, and banished from the emirate after enduring months of punishment.

Even after her name was cleared, Waheeda refused to return to the king, stating she could never go back to someone who lacked faith in her. She decided to leave, taking her children with her. However, the king decreed that if she left, she could not take any of his children. Faced with this ultimatum, the children were given a choice. The girls chose their mother, while Mutawwakil chose his father. With a heavy heart, Sultan Muzzamil watched as Waheeda and his daughters left. He promised to visit them regularly and provide for them, but soon, the kings of the other emirates annulled the betrothals due to Sultan Muzzamil's now unmarried status.