HANEEM'S DIARY #4: An outing gone wrong

My friends-Afraah,Zahra,Bilkisu-and I have a tradition of going out once every two weeks. We would mostly hang out at Safara( a well known eatery) or at the park. There was always a dress code. We were all wearing jeans with different hijab styles(we are all hijabies) that saturday.

Afraah is one of those warm people that you just can't hate,she is my roommate in the hostel. She is very kind,sweet and innocent. Bilkisu(Bee) is the comedian,kind of like Zahra,she is stubborn but also very careful. And Zahra...No! I'll let you figure out who she is on your own.

Zahra and I picked up the other girls-with my mum's car-from the school gate and headed to Safara.

The familiar orange and green paint welcomed us to Safara. It is quiet big and it offers a lot of dishes although we mostly went for snacks. It wasn't as full as it usually is on saturday evenings.

We settled down on an empty table and placed our orders ranging from ice cream to soft drinks.

"Girls,I have definitely met the one" Zahra bragged. "I just knew it from the moment I laid eyes on him.

"Huun un" The girls crooned in unison excluding me.
I still couldn't believe it. I've always known that Zahra was fearless but I just didn't expect what she did.

Zahra narrated everything that happened to Bee and Afraah with special emphasis on 'The one'.
Bewildered faces stared back at the ecstatic narrator.

"Haba Zahara'u!" Afraah exclaimed.
"How could you shamelessly flirt with a random stranger just because of his looks" Afraah scolded.

Zahra let out a sarcastic laugh.

"Just because? Haha...You really don't know what you're saying" Zahra said eyeing Afraah playfully.
"Anyway, I won't blame you,I would have said the same thing had I not seen him for myself" Zahra conceded.

"So tell us about this 'The one',Bee said with interest.

I sighed.

"Yauwa!,(O yes!) Bee,now you're talking."
Bee and afraah listened with full attention while
I deliberately engrossed myself with Instagram still in an attempt to show Zahra my disapproval. Although, I could hear her babbling.

The stranger's real name is Imran,A final year student of Architecture in a university London.

Zahra snatched my phone from my hands trying to get my attention.

"Enough about me,I want to hear about you girls," Zahra announced.

I rolled my eyes. The never-ending topic of relationships was always brought up by Bee but it wasn't surprising that Zahra brought it up this week.
Although as annoying as it got it was still the most fun part of going out

"Here we go again," Afraah crooned.

"Yes Afraah! So I'll start with you, How is Ahmad?' Zahra asked with excitement.

"Ahmad is fine" Afraah replied curtly. It was obviously that she had deliberately cut her answer short.

"You know you can't get away with that,Oya". she clapped her hands.
"A detailed explanation,how are you and Ahmad?"

Bee and I exchanged glances and burst out laughing.

"All of you are ganging up on me right? Fine I'll spill the beans" Afraah said feigning anger.

"No,no,no! Afraah dear,its just one of those things you know." I said winking at her.
"Sharrap and let me talk" Afraah ordered.

I kept quiet.

"Ahmad is still the same religious,caring and gentle guy. He is very supporting and encouraging too. I turn to him most times I'm down and he is really good to me."

We were all too distracted to notice a lady walk up to our table. She stood right next to Afraah.

"Afraah!" the plump fair complexioned lady called. She was wearing a long ankara gown and her veil was folded on one side of her shoulder.

Afraah unconsciously turned towards the lady in response.

The plumpy lady swiftly raised her hand towards Afraah's face. Luckily Afraah blocked the attacking hand with a puzzled expression on her face.
We were all rather shocked.

"Who are you?" Afraah queried.

"You even dare to ask who I am huh?" the lady thundered-as she freed her hand from Afraah's grip-drawing attention to our table.
We exchanged glances but not one of us could speak.

Within split seconds,the lady dragged Afraah by her shirt and sent her flying in to the next table. Afraah crashed into the empty table.

The entire restaurant became alarmed.

"Look at this shameless tiny thing" the lady announced to the restaurant.

"Toh,I am Rukkaya, Ahmad's wife,"she announced.

"Zahra,take Afraah out through the back door I'll handle this" I instructed as we all got up and rushed towards Afraah.
"Hell no! You know I can handle this better," Zahra disagreed.
"I'll take her out,"Bilkisu offered.
I helped Bilkisu get the moaning Afraah up. I did not notice that Zahra walked up to the fuming woman till I heard her voice.

"Ahmad is not married so who are you?" Zahra demanded.
Ahmad's so called wife raised her hand to slap Zahra but her attack was expertly stopped.
Just then the restaurant workers and customers came rushing towards the two and started asking questions.
I was surprised that it took that long for them to intervene. Perhaps they were all enjoying the site.

Bilkisu and Afraah had already gone out safely through the back door thanks to Zahra's distraction skills.

Rukkaya was busy lamenting to the audience. So I signaled Zahra to sneak out from the very embarrassing scene but she ignored me.

Before I could say a word,Zahra had managed to get close enough to the woman and the next thing I heard was a resounding slap.

I froze and my jaws dropped open.
Zahra quickly made her way out,took my hand and we ran outside.

I somehow managed to find the car keys,opened the car and struggled to fit it into the ignition.
I saw Rukkaya run out of safara most likely to avenge her slap.

I quickly started the car and headed towards the gate. Another car almost hit mine because he was speeding in. I instinctively turned to look at the driver and guess what? It was Ahmad.

"Subhanallah! Its Ahmad," I blurted.

"Please just get me out of this place!" Afraah said speaking for the first time since the incidence.

Ahmad signaled me to stop but I ignored him and zoomed off!

To be continued...


P.S: Haneem's diary is fictional. The characters and the stories are not real,although sometimes are inspired by real life happenings.

HANEEM'S DIARY #3: Her audacious move

A lecture had been fixed for us that friday at FUT's(Federal university of technology) permanent site Gidan kwanu(Gk) instead of our main campus in Bosso,Minna. The lecturer complained about the class being too large so he divided the class in to groups.

The lecture ended at 1pm in Gidan kwanu(Gk) campus. Gk is in the outskirts of minna along bida road. It would take about 30minutes to bosso-in FUT's worn out buses-but it took about fifteen minutes with a normal car.

My friend Zarah and I-my other friends were in a different group so there was only 2 of us-decided to join the jummat congregational prayer before returning home for the weekend.

Zahra and I both reside in the Bosso campus hostel. Although, I am based in minna while she is from Kaduna state. She had decided to follow me home for the weekend.

After our prayers at about 2:15pm, we headed to the bus park and behold!There was a very long queue-in the scorching sun- without even a single bus parked.

"Kai kai kai!" Zarah exclaimed.

"Hanini(that was her nickname for me) lets just head outside school and get a taxi", she added.

"Gaskiya"(that's right),I agreed without arguing.

Luckily,we were able to get a mahindra(keke napep) that dropped us off at the school gate.
It was very difficult getting a taxi. We were there for 15 good minutes before a Red Toyota camry pulled over in front of us.

I definitely didn't know anyone who drove such a car so I was kind of surprised. The front window slid open and Zahra leaned on
"Ina wuni(Good afternoon)", Zahra greeted.

The driver answered cheerfully so I assumed that she knew him from somewhere.
"Are you heading home?" he asked in a polished English tone.

"I'm heading to my friend's house" she said pointing at me. That was the moment I got a chance to greet him-whomever he was.

I could tell that he was tall from where I stood. He looked young,probably in his mid twenties. The man's face was definitely something to look at. His complexion wasn't the normal dark, it was that type of flawless black-beauty that you can't just help but admit is gorgeous. As tempting as his looks were they were just the type of looks that I hate to see in a guy. I've always believed that handsome guys are dangerous

"Just drop us at Adamawa street" Zahra added.

She got in the front passengers seat while I sat at the back.

The two immediately started a conversation from which I assumed he was a family friend she hadn't seen in a long time.
" So how is school? I hope it hasn't been too stressful?"

"it hasn't been easy, but I'm a survivor!" She bragged.
He smiled in response revealing a perfectly small and hollow depression in his cheek.

"How is mum and everyone at home?" She asked.
He smiled before replying,"They are all fine.
"my regards to them then", she said in a melodious tune, giving him that flirtatious smile she gave when she was up to something. That made me more uncomfortable.

Judging from Zahra's behavior, I assumed that he was one of her many crushes. They were so many that I could not keep up with their looks or habits.

"Your friend is awfully quiet", he observed staring back at me for a second.

"She's like that around strangers" responded. eyeing me playfully. I wanted to react but she was really right,so I maintained my quiet stand.

The car took the last turn just few seconds before the junction to my house. Finally! My uncomfortable trip was about to end.

When the car pulled over right before the sign board that read 'Adamawa Street'. The most surprising thing happened,he requested for Zahra's number-that wasn't surprising- and then he asked for her name.
Wait...What? I was going crazy.
I had actually gotten in to a total stranger's car all the way from Gk I managed to thank him before getting off the car.

"Zarah are you crazy? So you don't even know him and we got into his car? Haba!" I yelled unable to control my anger as we walked down to my house.

"Relax Haneem, we've arrived safely,that's one thing to be thankful for ok?"

"A'audzhu billahi (I seek refuge in Allah) thankful? Sure I am but WE got into a stranger's car,what if..."

"O please haneem, just let it go. I'll not get in to just any body's car,he looks responsible,he just wanted to help", Zahra replied rolling her eyeballs with an attitude.

My anger subsided as the gate of my house came in to view. It had been two weeks since I was at home last. The thought of the comfort and calmness awaiting me at home eased my anger.

When I looked at Zahra,all I did was shake my head. The Zahra I know would definitely fall for that epitome of beauty. I'm sure her mind was made up the moment the glass slid down.


P.S: Hello everyone! I'm really sorry my sketches are poor. I want to illustrate myself but I'm not really good at drawing. Hopefully I will get better in time. Thanks for reading!

World hijab day

Hey there! Have you heard of 'World hijab day?' Its an event that takes place February 1st. Its an event that encourages both muslims a d non-muslims to wear a hijab. It was first celebrated in 2013.

World hijab day is celebrated so as to show the world that the hijab is freedom and not oppression. This is a day when everyone can wear hijab and get to understand it a little bit more.

I chose to wear the traditional long hijab today. Its very different-in a good way. Its not really my she but it is definitely beautiful. It feels safe,covered,beautiful and very comfortable.

Happy World hijab day!!!

HANEEM'S DIARY: For the sake of love

Ralia dissolved in to laughter as I narrated what Abba did to me. It was a week later and I was still annoyed.
I had spent almost all day at Ralia's -my cousin- house. I went with Abba but unfortunately, the little boy slept off before we left the house so I had to carry him. Ralia carried my bag-because I had complained about Abba's weight- and her mini suitcase. The sound of Ralia's laughter made him shift in his sleep.
Ralia is my favorite cousin. Although she is three years older than me,we talk like age mates. She was a final year student of Biochemistry at Ahmadu Bello University,Zaria. At the same time,the family was preparing for her wedding.
We had agreed that I will spend the day at Ralia's then she will spend the night at my house. This was a kind of tradition for us. We would take turns to sleepover at eachpthers house every once in a while.

Ralia's house was a very quiet close. There were seberal other houses there. The ground outside Ralia's house was very sandy which I did not like because the
sand kept getting in to my slippers.

We took our leave after our Isha prayer(the fifth and final prayer for the day) I have always hated going out at night and I was not so pleased with having to leave so late but Ralia had pleaded with me earlier not to take a taxi but to wait for her fiance to drop us off. We had been standing there for less than 10 minutes and the mosquitoes had already found there way in to my skirt and started to bite my legs. Ralia was safe from their attacks because she wore a long hijab and socks. At that time I wished I had at least put on my socks.

Just as Ralia finished laughing at me, I noticed a car approaching. I did not pay much attention to the car thinking it would pass. The sound of the engine got closer but It was difficult for me to see the face of the driver because of the powerful headlight. As the car got even closer I managed to observe that it was a black sienna. It pulled over in front of us.
"He is here"Ralia beamed.

I needed no further explanation. She Opened the door of the backseat for me. As I entered, I greeted the her fiance. He answered me cheerfully. I immediately believed everything I had heard about him. I balanced Abba on my laps and rested his head on my chest.

I have always hated being around couples and that situation certainly was not an exception. I engaged in my favorite past time-day dreaming. I got so distracted that something happened between the Ralia and her fiance,umar.

He turned back and flashed me a smile I found suspicious. I shifted uncomfortably. Just then, A nokia tune ringtone pierced the silence,increasing the tension in the car.

"Hello sweetheart!" Umar began.

My body stiffened. I could feel Ralia's tension from where I sat.

"I'm sorry love, I'll be with you shortly." he added.

The distance from Ralia's house to mine was less than 20minutes but I felt like it was more than two hours. It was a very quiet drive except for Ralia who was directing Umar.

Finally, the car took the last turn that was only three houses away from my house. The car pulled over in front of that familiar Brown colored gate.

I moved Abba from my laps to my shoulder as I opened the door.

"Good night" Umar said. "Its too bad we had to meet like this,I've heard a lot about you," he added.

"yeah" I murmured- accompanied with a fake smile- as I got off the car.

I waited for Ralia inside the house just by the gate. My shoulders were very much strained because of Abba's weight but I was not in a hurry to get inside the house.

When she joined me, the was an obvious sign of hurt on her face. This made me hold all the questions I had prepared to ask her. We walked inside in silence.

After we had showered and changed in to our night gowns,I could no longer hold it in.

"Ralia, what exactly are you doing?" I asked

" What do you mean?" she queried clearly pretending not to know what I meant.

" You know what I mean Ralia" I accused.

"Haneem,believe me" she started,he is not who you think,he's just as i've always described him,he just changed recently" she reassured.

"Ralia,the wedding should not go on if he is like this. I want you to be happy,I want you to have a good man in your life" I cried.

"He is a good man sis,believe me I know it,he is just going through a phase I'm sure it'll pass" she said almost in a whisper.

"What if it doesn't?"

"Haneem,I have what many people long for,this little problems are nothing to me" Ralia went on.

"Ralia don't do this to yourself please,I'm begging you" I pleaded.

"Haneem dear,the wedding will go on In Shaa Allah(By the grace of God), I will become his wife,I'm ready to tolerate anything" Ralia ended.

As I went to sleep,my heart was filled with grief and pity for Ralia,she was determined and commited to live with daily heartbreak all for the sake of love.

Ralia dissolved in to laughter as I narrated what Abba did to me. It was a week later and I was still annoyed.
I had spent almost all day at Ralia's -my cousin- house. I went with Abba but unfortunately, the little boy slept off before we left the house so I had to carry him. Ralia carried my bag-because I had complained about Abba's weight- and her mini suitcase. The sound of Ralia's laughter made him shift in his sleep.
Ralia is my favorite cousin. Although she is three years older than me,we talk like age mates. She was a final year student of Biochemistry at Ahmadu Bello University,Zaria. At the same time,the family was preparing for her wedding.
We had agreed that I will spend the day at Ralia's then she will spend the night at my house. This was a kind of tradition for us. We would take turns to sleepover at eachpthers house every once in a while.

Ralia's house was a very quiet close. There were seberal other houses there. The ground outside Ralia's house was very sandy which I did not like because the
sand kept getting in to my slippers.

We took our leave after our Isha prayer(the fifth and final prayer for the day) I have always hated going out at night and I was not so pleased with having to leave so late but Ralia had pleaded with me earlier not to take a taxi but to wait for her fiance to drop us off. We had been standing there for less than 10 minutes and the mosquitoes had already found there way in to my skirt and started to bite my legs. Ralia was safe from their attacks because she wore a long hijab and socks. At that time I wished I had at least put on my socks.

Just as Ralia finished laughing at me, I noticed a car approaching. I did not pay much attention to the car thinking it would pass. The sound of the engine got closer but It was difficult for me to see the face of the driver because of the powerful headlight. As the car got even closer I managed to observe that it was a black sienna. It pulled over in front of us.
"He is here"Ralia beamed.

I needed no further explanation. She Opened the door of the backseat for me. As I entered, I greeted the her fiance. He answered me cheerfully. I immediately believed everything I had heard about him. I balanced Abba on my laps and rested his head on my chest.

I have always hated being around couples and that situation certainly was not an exception. I engaged in my favorite past time-day dreaming. I got so distracted that something happened between the Ralia and her fiance,umar.

He turned back and flashed me a smile I found suspicious. I shifted uncomfortably. Just then, A nokia tune ringtone pierced the silence,increasing the tension in the car.

"Hello sweetheart!" Umar began.

My body stiffened. I could feel Ralia's tension from where I sat.

"I'm sorry love, I'll be with you shortly." he added.

The distance from Ralia's house to mine was less than 20minutes but I felt like it was more than two hours. It was a very quiet drive except for Ralia who was directing Umar.

Finally, the car took the last turn that was only three houses away from my house. The car pulled over in front of that familiar Brown colored gate.

I moved Abba from my laps to my shoulder as I opened the door.

"Good night" Umar said. "Its too bad we had to meet like this,I've heard a lot about you," he added.

"yeah" I murmured- accompanied with a fake smile- as I got off the car.

I waited for Ralia inside the house just by the gate. My shoulders were very much strained because of Abba's weight but I was not in a hurry to get inside the house.

When she joined me, the was an obvious sign of hurt on her face. This made me hold all the questions I had prepared to ask her. We walked inside in silence.

After we had showered and changed in to our night gowns,I could no longer hold it in.

"Ralia, what exactly are you doing?" I asked

" What do you mean?" she queried clearly pretending not to know what I meant.

" You know what I mean Ralia" I accused.

"Haneem,believe me" she started,he is not who you think,he's just as i've always described him,he just changed recently" she reassured.

"Ralia,the wedding should not go on if he is like this. I want you to be happy,I want you to have a good man in your life" I cried.

"He is a good man sis,believe me I know it,he is just going through a phase I'm sure it'll pass" she said almost in a whisper.

"What if it doesn't?"

"Haneem,I have what many people long for,this little problems are nothing to me" Ralia went on.

"Ralia don't do this to yourself please,I'm begging you" I pleaded.

"Haneem dear,the wedding will go on In Shaa Allah(By the grace of God), I will become his wife,I'm ready to tolerate anything" Ralia ended.

As I went to sleep,my heart was filled with grief and pity for Ralia,she was determined and commited to live with daily heartbreak all for the sake of love.

Outfit of the day

Hello There! I wanted to do an outfit of the day blogpost. My outfit is chic and casual. This is one way for a hijabi to wear vests. I've had the vest for a while but I couldn't wear it out until I came across the shirt.
Also,if you look closely,you'll notice a sleeve under my shirt. I was a little bit uncomfortable with the length of the shirt's sleeve. This is the first time I tried wearing purple and pink and I liked the outcome. I hope you're inspired.




P.S:I was supposed to make this blogpost yesterday but I was unable to that because of school work.

HANEEM'S DIARY: Pest Of Nature

I stretched my legs fully so as to relax myself. The sound of dolly parton's 'coat of many colours' boomed from my ear piece. It was the perfect picture of relaxation but Alas! It did not last long.

Just as I closed my eyes and prepared to sleep,a familiar voice pierced the silence of the air around me.
'HANEEM!' the voice called.
I jumped up in fright. A petite figure appeared in front of me
"come and see what has happened,"he said.
It was my younger brother Abba;before I could say a word,he pulled my hand and dragged me outside towards the gate.
'What has happened'? I asked.
He ignored my question which made me even more nervous. I tried to think of what might have happened.

'Did someone die?','Did Mallam Audu the shop keeper get hit by a car?' 'Did...
I continued to ponder on what might have happened. I didn't care that I was bare footed or that I did not even put on a veil. My heart was pounding like a drum.

The longer we ran,the more anxious I felt. We had passed the. supermarket,the drug store even the car wash!
Finally,Abba started to reduce his speed and I felt a little bit relieved.
'I will soon find out what has happened' I thought.
'wait a minute...,' I paused. 'But this is the football field'
'yes!' he answered. I could see the excitement in his eyes. 'Well...tell me,what has happened?' I asked impatiently.
'My friend's brother has bought a new ball and he said I can play with it whenever I want!'

I could feel the anger through my veins,I was so annoyed that I felt speechless...I thought of how he dragged me from my room,the distance I ran bare footed!
'Mtsw' I hissed as I lazily walked back home.'Pest of nature!' I thought.

P.S: Haneem's diary is a fictional series based on things I witness,experience and imagine. Haneem is Meenah spelled backwards which is one of my many nicknames. I wrote 'pest of nature' two years ago. It was the first story I wrote under Haneem's diary. Since I'm starting all over again, I thought It would be best to start from the beginning. By Gods grace, Haneem's diary will have a new story up ever Saturday. Hope you enjoy it!

Always be yourself

Hello everyone! Belated happy new year! I'm sorry for that. I resumed school early this year so I've been a little bit busy.

Have you noticed that the world changes constantly? The views of people also changes. Today,the world views skinny people in a way,tomorrow being skinny is the most attractive thing ever. This modern idea of how people should look might just sound to you like it doesn't matter.

However,there are several cases of people especially young girls being displeased with their bodies. Its mostly about their weights but sometimes other things like their face,nose,chest area and so on. This I believe greatly reduces their confidence and self esteem.

This believe is caused by the impossible world created by or because of celebrities. These people live most of their famous lives under pressure. The media expect them to be flawless which is really impossible in reality. They are expected to look and be perfect. In their situation they really have no choice but to at least try. Most of them not only pull it off,they manage to make it look fun and easy. So this impossible figure and body starts to look more possible which makes ordinary girls hate themselves for not looking like that or at least close to that.

The number one secret to surviving in life is to be yourself,love yourself and accept your flaws. Accept that you're not perfect. This will protect you from a lot of things. Its okay to want lose weight or be fit just as long as you don't make yourself feel like you're useless.

Ignore people's mean comments. Whatever you do in life they'll just keep complaining. I know this because I had my own fair share of that.

At one point in my life, peoples comments started getting to me. "you're too skinny, when you walk its like the wind is going to blow you away..." "she moves like a spaghetti..." and so on. The comments cut me deep inside,it hurt a lot hearing such things. "She's weak,just look at her..." Amazingly,Through all of these something stayed permanent,I loved and still am okay with my skinny figure. I honestly don't wish to gain much weight-not because of d trend,no-Just because this is how I've always been and I love it.

For a while recently,I felt like perhaps,I shouldn't put on make up anymore. My makeup to school is mostly light but my friends go for the lightest make up like just a little bit of lipstick and thats it. So I thought for a second perhaps I should give it up too so that i'll just blend in,you know fit in perfectly. All of us are hijabies but they mostly use the long traditional hijab while I-for my love of fashion- chose a different type of hijab,so I'd wear trousers with a long top or with a bollero. This too-within those few seconds- I thought of giving up. I quickly realized that perhaps i'm different. No! The truth is i'm actually different,I have different interests and different likes thats what makes me who I am.

What I'm saying is,you should not compare yourself to others in anyway. We are all different. It'll only confuse you. Be true to your self, we are all only human,we have feelings and we change but there are things about us that don't change. In trying to change them we're trying to change who we are. But for who? For the world that keeps on changing? Is it really worth it?

With growing up,I realized that we are all different in every aspect,sure we might share interests or even characters but we can never be the same. So embrace your difference, its your uniqueness. After all it makes you stand out. Be yourself,love yourself and accept who you are!