SULTAN {Preview}

Chapter Nineteen

The ruler is bound by the laws because the laws made him king.
 

                                        ~Aristotle

Around 11pm that same day, the Emirate was still fully awake, everywhere buzzed with activities, making preparations for the next day.

From afar, sounds of algaita trumpet could be heard, coming from the Emir's Palace. The algaita is normally blown at night during special occasions, as a reminder or announcement of a special event the following day. Days like Thursday, as a reminder that the next day is Juma'ah, or when the new moon  of Ramadan is sighted, indicating that people should start fasting the following day. Also when the new moon of Shawwal is sighted, indicating the next day to be Eid, which is in this case. Also a day to Eid el Kabeer or any other important announcement the Emir wants to pass across to his people.

Anga wata anga wata *the new moon has been sighted* people echoed around

Men and boys dash into their houses to share the news with their mothers, wives, sisters, daughters and other female relatives.

Preparations continue...

***

EID day

As early as 8am, people got dressed and ready to go to the Eid ground, for Eid prayers. Men were seen wearing kaftans and cap or babban riga and cap. Women and young girls were also seen wearing their beautiful sallah clothes with hijabs, closely following behind the head of the family. However, in some households, women do not go for the prayers, rules of the house. They stay back at home and cook for their loved ones who went to pray.
***

Sultan

As soon the Chief Imam said the Sallama and everyone finished making supplications, echoes of Barka da Sallah could be heard everywhere. Abba rose as the Chief Imam, Sameers father approached us, Sameer following behind him and we rose too. They shook hands and exchanged pleasantries before he turned to me and extended his hand for a hand shake to which I avoided as a sign of respect and knelt down to greet him. Khalil followed and greeted him too while he showered his blessings on us, telling us how impressed he was by our humbleness of kneeling to greet an elderly person, even though we were princes. We rose at the same time with Sameer who also knelt down or should I say almost laid down to greet Abba.

"Eid Mabrook happy Sallah "

"Eid Mabrook " we shook hands with Sameer.
"You seem so excited today, is it because the fasting is over and you will get to eat as much as you want today, or there is something off your sleeves?" I teased. He threw his head back and laughed before replying

"Sameera gave birth early this morning"

"Haba! Masha Allah, congratulations. Baby boy or girl? "

"It's a boy"

"I'm so happy for her, Alhamdulillah"

Sameera is Sameer's immediate younger sister and also a a very good friend to Qudsiyya, we are agemates. She got married a year ago, that was even before Sameer and I returned from Madina. She came home about two weeks ago to deliver and do the famous traditional wankan gida of 40days, before returning to her husband's house with the baby.

"I will come and greet later today or tomorrow In Sha Allah, send my regards to her and everyone at home"

"Alright, but also, take your time, Sameera is still around. I know you will be busy" he replied, that's Sameer, he is very understanding. They immediately left with his father and we stood with Abba as people trooped to come and pay homage to their Lamido.