About this novel
BAƘAR AYAH Tsadar Baƙin Kishi | Complete Hausa Novel
By SADI SAKHNA CE
Novel Blurb
BAƘAR AYAH is a gripping Hausa family drama woven around jealousy, obsession, betrayal, spiritual darkness, and the devastating consequences of allowing hatred to take control of the human heart. Beneath the appearance of a wealthy and respectable household lies a disturbing world where love becomes possession, marriage becomes a battlefield, and the desire to keep someone can become more dangerous than the fear of losing them. It is a story of a woman who refuses to share her husband's affection, a pregnant young wife whose innocence places her in the middle of a deadly rivalry, and a man whose search for happiness gradually becomes entangled in a tragedy he never imagined possible.
What happens when a woman's desire to be the only queen in her husband's heart becomes an obsession so powerful that she is willing to destroy every other woman who enters his life? How far can jealousy push someone who believes that marriage gives her the right to control another person's destiny? And what happens when the innocent become victims of battles they never chose to fight? These questions form the unsettling foundation of BAƘAR AYAH, a suspense-filled Hausa novel by Sadi-Sakhna that explores the darkest corners of marital rivalry and the frightening consequences of unchecked hatred.
At the centre of this story is Jabeer Jaan, a wealthy, accomplished, and influential businessman whose position as the CEO of his company reflects years of responsibility and achievement. Known for his composed personality and calm disposition, Jabeer appears to possess the kind of life many people would admire. He has wealth, status, a beautiful family, and the opportunity to build a comfortable future. Yet, beneath this seemingly successful existence lies a deeply complicated domestic situation. His marriage has become a source of tension, and the women connected to his household are caught in a struggle that threatens to destroy the peace he has worked so hard to maintain.
Jabeer's first wife, Lubnah, is a woman whose outward appearance and privileged lifestyle conceal a deeply troubled heart. She enjoys wealth, comfort, attention, and the social standing that comes with being married to a successful businessman. However, there is one thing she cannot bear to accept: the possibility of sharing her husband with another woman. Her inability to have children has become a painful part of her marital experience, but rather than confronting her emotions with patience and understanding, she allows resentment to grow into something far more destructive.
For Lubnah, Jabeer is not simply the man she married. He is someone she believes belongs exclusively to her, and she is determined to preserve that ownership at any cost. She cannot accept the idea that another woman might receive the affection, tenderness, or attention she considers her personal right. Even the knowledge that Jabeer has married another wife becomes an unbearable reminder of what she believes she has lost. Instead of recognising that marriage requires compromise, emotional maturity, and mutual understanding, she interprets every expression of kindness towards her husband's other wife as a personal attack.
Her jealousy is particularly evident whenever she sees Jabeer showing concern for Hafsa, his younger wife. The mere sight of him spending time in Hafsa's apartment is enough to awaken Lubnah's bitterness. She becomes irritated by the smallest details, from the attention he gives his pregnant wife to the household arrangements that make Hafsa comfortable. What should be ordinary expressions of marital responsibility become, in Lubnah's mind, deliberate acts of betrayal.
Yet Lubnah's greatest frustration is not simply that Jabeer has another wife. It is the possibility that Hafsa might give him something she has been unable to provide: a child. For a woman whose insecurity is already deeply rooted in her inability to conceive, the pregnancy of another wife becomes a source of intense emotional conflict. Rather than seeing the unborn baby as an innocent member of the family, Lubnah views the pregnancy as another threat to her position.
This is where the story takes a chilling turn. Lubnah's determination to eliminate her rival gradually draws her into a disturbing world of occult practices, manipulation, and spiritual darkness. Her hatred is no longer expressed through arguments, insults, or household disagreements. She begins searching for ways to destroy Hafsa through means that go beyond ordinary human cruelty.
Her encounter with Zulungum, a mysterious spiritual practitioner, reveals just how far her obsession has progressed. In her conversation with him, Lubnah makes it clear that she does not merely want Hafsa out of the household. She wants her rival permanently removed from Jabeer's life. Her intentions are frighteningly deliberate, and her willingness to spend enormous sums of money demonstrates how determined she has become.
Zulungum introduces her to a disturbing method involving a small doll and the blood of her intended victim. Through this ritual, Lubnah is instructed to establish a connection with Hafsa and gradually gain her trust. The instructions are accompanied by frightening conditions, including the need to use the victim's blood and manipulate the doll in a manner intended to inflict harm. For Lubnah, however, the disturbing nature of the arrangement is not enough to make her reconsider. Her obsession has already taken precedence over conscience, compassion, and the sanctity of another person's life.
The most disturbing aspect of Lubnah's behaviour is her ability to move between cruelty and apparent kindness without showing any visible conflict. She understands that openly expressing hatred would expose her intentions, so she begins to change her approach. Instead of confronting Hafsa as an enemy, she presents herself as a concerned elder sister and a caring relative.
When she visits Hafsa's apartment, she wears a smile that is completely different from the hostility she carries in her heart. She greets her warmly, asks about her welfare, and pretends to be concerned about her pregnancy. Her words suggest affection, but her real intentions remain hidden. Hafsa, who approaches their relationship with respect and good manners, has little reason to suspect that the woman standing before her is secretly planning something terrible.
This contrast between appearance and reality is one of the most compelling elements of BAƘAR AYAH. The novel examines how dangerous deception can become when it is disguised as kindness. A welcoming smile may conceal resentment, an affectionate greeting may hide a cruel intention, and someone who appears to offer assistance may actually be preparing another person's downfall.
Hafsa, in contrast, represents a different approach to family relationships. She is gentle, respectful, and seemingly unwilling to engage in unnecessary conflict. Even when Lubnah's behaviour appears unusual, Hafsa chooses to respond with courtesy. She does not immediately assume the worst about her husband's first wife, and her willingness to maintain a peaceful relationship makes her especially vulnerable to manipulation.
Her pregnancy should be a period of anticipation, happiness, and preparation for motherhood. Instead, it becomes a frightening period surrounded by uncertainty. While she carries the hope of welcoming a child into the world, people around her are secretly involved in decisions that threaten the future she is expecting.
The relationship between Hafsa and Jabeer also introduces an emotional dimension to the novel. Jabeer may have his shortcomings, but his interactions with Hafsa reveal a level of tenderness and affection that contrasts sharply with the tension surrounding his first marriage. He is comfortable in her presence, and the emotional atmosphere changes whenever they are together. His anger following disagreements with Lubnah often gives way to calmness when he enters Hafsa's apartment.
This difference is particularly significant because it highlights the emotional distance that has developed between Jabeer and Lubnah. Rather than addressing the problems within their marriage through honest communication, Lubnah becomes increasingly consumed by resentment. Jabeer, meanwhile, appears frustrated by her behaviour and struggles to understand why ordinary family matters repeatedly become sources of conflict.
His relationship with Hafsa demonstrates that affection cannot be secured through intimidation or control. The more Lubnah attempts to force Jabeer's attention towards herself, the more complicated their relationship becomes. What she cannot understand is that genuine love cannot be commanded through fear, and no amount of wealth can guarantee the loyalty of another person's heart.
The wider family environment adds another layer of tension to the narrative. Jabeer's household is not simply a private space occupied by husband and wives. It is an extended family setting in which parents, siblings, relatives, and in-laws all have their own opinions, expectations, and emotional investments.
Hajiya Zeenah, Jabeer's mother, is particularly concerned about the wellbeing of the people under her family's roof. Her relationship with Hafsa is marked by genuine concern, and the difficult circumstances surrounding the pregnancy leave her deeply troubled. She understands that something is seriously wrong, even when the exact nature of the situation remains unclear.
Her anxiety becomes more pronounced as Hafsa experiences complications during labour. What should have been a joyful occasion turns into a medical emergency that places everyone under enormous emotional pressure. The nurses struggle to understand why the delivery is proving so difficult, while the attending doctor faces a situation that requires urgent medical attention.
Hafsa has already endured prolonged labour, and her condition becomes increasingly dangerous. Her blood pressure is dangerously high, and the medical team must carefully consider the risks involved in proceeding with surgery. The unborn child presents additional complications, leaving the healthcare professionals with difficult decisions to make.
The scenes surrounding the hospital are among the most emotionally intense moments introduced in the novel. The uncertainty, fear, hurried conversations, and desperate attempts to save a mother and her unborn child create an atmosphere of genuine distress. The medical staff struggle to maintain their composure as they attempt to find a solution, while Hajiya Zeenah watches helplessly, praying that the situation will not end in tragedy.
The family's concern is further complicated by the arrival of Sayyada-Tateen, Hafsa's grandmother. Her personality is strong, outspoken, and difficult to ignore. She is deeply attached to her granddaughter, and the possibility of losing her brings out an overwhelming mixture of grief, anger, and frustration.
Sayyada-Tateen is not a woman who quietly accepts situations she considers unjust. Her words are often sharp, and her reactions can be dramatic, but beneath her outspoken nature lies a powerful attachment to her family. She is particularly protective of Hafsa, whom she regards as a precious member of her family.
Her presence at the hospital creates moments of confrontation and uncomfortable exchanges. She is quick to express her dissatisfaction with the people around her, especially when she believes that Hafsa is not receiving the attention and care she deserves. Her accusations against Lubnah and other members of the household reveal the deep suspicions and old grievances that already exist within the family.
Through Sayyada-Tateen, the novel introduces the complicated nature of family loyalty. Love can make people protective, but it can also make them suspicious and unreasonable. Her grief is genuine, yet her manner of expressing it often creates additional tension in an already difficult situation.
Hajiya Lylah, another member of the extended family, also contributes to the complicated domestic atmosphere. Her exchanges with Hajiya Zeenah and Sayyada-Tateen reveal that the family is far from united. There are personal resentments, sharp remarks, and disagreements that expose the fragile relationships beneath the appearance of family unity.
Meanwhile, Abdulmaleek, Jabeer's younger brother, becomes an important presence during the family's difficult moments. His relationship with his grandmother and other relatives reveals a young man who sometimes finds himself caught between family expectations and the need to manage difficult personalities. His efforts to calm Sayyada-Tateen show that he understands how quickly emotions can escalate in a crisis.
The younger members of the family also contribute to the emotional atmosphere. Madeenah and Maleekah, Jabeer's sisters, are present during the events surrounding Hafsa's pregnancy and the family's subsequent grief. Madeenah shares a particularly close bond with Hafsa, and their friendship makes the unfolding situation especially painful for her.
For Madeenah, Hafsa is more than simply her brother's wife. She is a close companion, someone with whom she shares a meaningful connection. Watching her suffer leaves Madeenah emotionally overwhelmed, and her inability to influence the situation highlights the helplessness that often accompanies sudden tragedy.
Another significant character is Alhaji Abdullahi, Jabeer's father, whose physical condition has changed following a serious accident. He uses a wheelchair after suffering paralysis, and the responsibility of managing the family business has consequently fallen heavily upon Jabeer. Despite his condition, he remains a source of guidance and authority within the household.
His conversations with Jabeer reveal a father who understands the emotional burden his son is carrying. He encourages patience, prayer, and acceptance of Allah's decree, reminding him that life's most painful experiences can eventually become memories. His advice introduces a reflective dimension to the story, particularly in contrast with the destructive decisions made by those who allow personal desires to overpower their sense of right and wrong.
The contrast between these characters makes the novel's family drama especially compelling. While some people attempt to preserve peace, others contribute to conflict. Some respond to suffering with patience and prayer, while others allow resentment to turn into cruelty. Every character brings a different emotional perspective to the household, creating a network of relationships that makes the story more complex than a simple rivalry between co-wives.
One of the most disturbing elements of the narrative is the role played by Yaseerah, Lubnah's close friend. Their relationship reveals how destructive behaviour can become more dangerous when it receives encouragement rather than correction. Instead of questioning Lubnah's intentions, Yaseerah appears fascinated by the methods being used against Hafsa. She treats the situation almost like a shared adventure, even as the consequences could be devastating.
Their conversations expose the frightening environment surrounding Lubnah's private life. Away from the respectable image she presents to her household, she associates with people who encourage her darkest desires. The secrecy of their activities and their confidence in the occult methods they employ create a persistent sense of danger.
Lubnah's relationship with her domestic workers also reveals the contradictions in her character. She expects unquestioning obedience and reacts harshly to minor inconveniences. Her household staff are exposed to her temper, and even when they bring her important information, they must carefully navigate her unpredictable moods.
Her treatment of others reflects a woman who has become accustomed to getting what she wants. Wealth has given her comfort and influence, but it has not given her emotional security. Instead, she uses her position to create an environment in which people are afraid to challenge her.
The novel also introduces a disturbing pattern of behaviour through Lubnah's recollections and conversations about previous women connected to Jabeer. Her hostility towards Hafsa is not presented as an isolated disagreement. There are indications of a broader obsession with eliminating any woman who threatens her exclusive claim over her husband. Her words suggest that she has developed a frightening justification for her actions, believing that every rival must be removed before she can enjoy the marriage she desires.
This makes the title BAƘAR AYAH particularly intriguing. It invites readers to consider the darkness hidden beneath the surface of the story and the frightening consequences of a world in which love, jealousy, and spiritual manipulation become intertwined. The title carries an atmosphere of mystery and unease, preparing readers for a narrative in which appearances cannot always be trusted.
As the story unfolds, the hospital becomes the setting for a heartbreaking turning point. The medical team eventually faces the possibility that saving Hafsa may be beyond their ability. Despite their efforts, the situation grows increasingly desperate, and the family receives news that changes everything.
The emotional weight of this moment is intensified by the different reactions of those present. Hajiya Zeenah is overwhelmed by grief. Sayyada-Tateen struggles to accept the possibility of losing the granddaughter she loves so dearly. Madeenah is devastated by the thought of losing her closest companion. Jabeer, however, experiences a form of emotional devastation that words can barely describe.
For a man who has spent much of his life maintaining a composed exterior, the loss becomes an unbearable blow. His reaction reveals the depth of his attachment to Hafsa and the emotional significance she has acquired in his life. The woman who brought warmth and affection into his world is suddenly beyond his reach, leaving him struggling to comprehend what has happened.
The tragedy is made even more painful by the fate of the unborn child. The family had hoped to welcome a new member, but the events surrounding the delivery turn that anticipation into grief. The loss creates a wound that reaches far beyond the hospital room, affecting everyone who had imagined a future with the mother and child.
For Jabeer, the experience is especially devastating. His attempt to look upon Hafsa one final time becomes an intensely emotional moment. He remembers the qualities that made her special, including her gentle nature, understanding, patience, and calm disposition. His grief reveals how much he had come to value her presence, even though the full extent of his feelings may not have been apparent before the tragedy.
His words carry the pain of someone who has discovered the importance of something only after losing it. He struggles to understand why happiness appeared in his life only to disappear so suddenly. The emotional darkness that follows is made worse by his inability to find comfort in the ordinary routines of his household.
Yet, while the family is consumed by grief, the circumstances surrounding Hafsa's death raise troubling questions. Not everyone in the household responds to the tragedy with the same sadness. Lubnah's reaction is particularly disturbing, as she appears far more interested in the outcome than in the human suffering involved. Her private satisfaction stands in shocking contrast to the mourning taking place around her.
This difference between public mourning and private intentions adds another layer of suspense. The family is trying to understand how to live with its loss, while the person whose actions are connected to the unfolding tragedy appears to be celebrating a personal victory.
The reader is left to consider the extent of Lubnah's involvement and the terrifying implications of the events that have taken place. The contrast between Hafsa's innocence and Lubnah's calculated cruelty makes the emotional stakes of the story particularly high.
After the burial, Jabeer's absence from the household becomes another source of concern. He withdraws from the people around him, switches off his phone, and disappears for several days without providing an explanation. Friends and relatives attempt to reach him, but no one knows where he has gone.
His disappearance suggests that the tragedy has affected him more deeply than anyone initially understands. Even the people who know him well struggle to comprehend his silence. When he eventually returns, his physical appearance reveals the extent of his suffering. His face is drawn, his eyes have lost their usual brightness, and his movements suggest a man who has been carrying an enormous emotional burden.
Rather than immediately returning to the responsibilities of his household, he seeks solitude. His silence is not simply an expression of anger or frustration. It is the reaction of someone struggling to find meaning after an experience that has shattered his emotional world.
The conversation with his father provides a glimpse into the difficult process of accepting loss. Alhaji Abdullahi reminds him that life is governed by the will of Allah and that patience is necessary when faced with painful circumstances. He also addresses the importance of responsibility, reminding Jabeer that his absence has affected other aspects of his life, including his business relationships.
This interaction highlights one of the novel's central emotional questions: how does a person continue living when the future they had imagined has suddenly disappeared? Jabeer must confront his grief while also recognising that the world around him has not stopped. His family still needs him, his responsibilities remain, and the unanswered questions surrounding the tragedy have not disappeared.
The story's treatment of marriage is equally significant. Through Jabeer, Lubnah, and Hafsa, BAƘAR AYAH examines the difference between genuine affection and possessive attachment. It explores the emotional difficulties that can arise in polygamous households, particularly when jealousy is allowed to replace communication and mutual respect.
The novel does not present every family disagreement as a simple matter of good and evil. Instead, it reveals how individual personalities, past experiences, expectations, and personal insecurities can shape relationships. However, it also draws a clear distinction between ordinary marital conflict and deliberate cruelty. Disagreement may be part of family life, but using another person's vulnerability as an opportunity for destruction crosses a far more serious boundary.
Another important theme is the danger of envy. Lubnah's inability to accept Hafsa's happiness demonstrates how jealousy can gradually consume a person's judgment. Rather than appreciating what she has, she becomes fixated on what someone else possesses. Her husband's attention, another woman's pregnancy, and the possibility of motherhood all become reasons for resentment.
This obsession creates a destructive cycle. The more she tries to control Jabeer's life, the more unstable her own emotional world becomes. Her wealth cannot satisfy her, her social status cannot provide peace, and her apparent influence cannot guarantee the happiness she desperately seeks.
The story also examines the vulnerability of innocent people. Hafsa is not portrayed as someone seeking conflict or competing aggressively for power. Her respectful attitude and desire for a peaceful household make her a contrast to the hostility surrounding her. Her circumstances raise difficult questions about how easily kindness can be exploited by those who approach relationships with dishonest intentions.
Spirituality and morality also occupy an important place in the narrative. The involvement of occult practices provides a frightening illustration of what can happen when people abandon moral boundaries in pursuit of personal desires. The story presents these practices within a world of secrecy, fear, and manipulation, reminding readers that the desire for revenge or control can lead people towards increasingly dangerous decisions.
Alongside these darker elements, the novel explores the importance of family support, patience, prayer, and compassion. The guidance offered by Alhaji Abdullahi, the concern shown by Hajiya Zeenah, and the affection shared by Hafsa and Madeenah provide contrasting examples of relationships built on care rather than possession.
Sadi-Sakhna also gives the supporting characters distinctive personalities that contribute to the atmosphere of the story. Sayyada-Tateen's outspoken nature provides moments of intense confrontation, while Abdulmaleek's attempts to manage family tensions introduce a different perspective. Madeenah's emotional attachment to Hafsa gives the tragedy a personal dimension, and Hajiya Zeenah's maternal concern reflects the pain of watching a family member suffer without being able to change the circumstances.
The novel's setting within a wealthy household in Abuja adds another interesting dimension. The luxurious apartments, private sections, company responsibilities, expensive vehicles, and privileged lifestyle create a world in which material comfort exists alongside emotional instability. The characters may possess wealth and social influence, but these advantages do not protect them from jealousy, betrayal, grief, or the consequences of their choices.
Indeed, one of the strongest contrasts in BAƘAR AYAH is the difference between outward prosperity and inward darkness. Behind beautiful homes and expensive possessions are people dealing with fears and insecurities that money cannot resolve. The novel suggests that a comfortable life does not necessarily mean a peaceful one, and that the most destructive conflicts sometimes take place behind the doors of seemingly perfect homes.
For readers who enjoy Hausa novels featuring intense family drama, complicated marriages, emotional conflict, and suspense, BAƘAR AYAH offers a deeply engaging reading experience. Its combination of marital rivalry, occult mystery, family relationships, and heartbreaking events creates a narrative that goes beyond the usual disagreements between co-wives.
It is also a compelling choice for readers interested in Hausa romantic drama, psychological conflict, and stories that explore the darker side of human relationships. Although the story contains elements of romance, its central focus is not simply the pursuit of love. It is concerned with the difference between loving someone and wanting to possess them, between protecting a marriage and destroying another person's happiness to preserve one's own position.
The novel's suspense comes from the contrast between what the characters know and what they are willing to reveal. Lubnah's secret activities create a disturbing sense of anticipation, while the family's grief and unanswered questions leave room for further developments. Readers are encouraged to pay attention to the smallest details, because even seemingly ordinary interactions may carry a deeper meaning.
There is also a strong emotional dimension to the story. Hafsa's situation invites sympathy, Jabeer's grief creates a sense of loss, and Hajiya Zeenah's concern reflects the helplessness of a family facing an unexpected tragedy. At the same time, Lubnah's behaviour generates frustration and disbelief, making her one of the most unsettling figures in the opening chapters.
What makes her particularly interesting as a fictional character is not simply her cruelty, but the certainty with which she justifies it. She does not appear to regard herself as the villain of her own story. Instead, she believes that she is defending what belongs to her. This distorted understanding of love and marriage makes her actions even more disturbing.
A reader may find themselves questioning whether Lubnah is motivated more by fear of losing Jabeer, resentment over her inability to conceive, or an overwhelming desire to exercise control over everyone around her. Her actions suggest that these emotions have become inseparable, creating a personality in which personal insecurity has transformed into deliberate hostility.
Jabeer, on the other hand, represents the painful consequences of failing to recognise the full extent of conflict within one's own household. His position as a successful businessman gives him authority in the professional world, but his personal life reveals that wealth and influence cannot solve every problem. He must confront the reality that the people closest to him may be dealing with emotions and intentions he does not fully understand.
The emotional contrast between Jabeer and Lubnah is particularly important. While she seeks to control his affection, he appears increasingly uncomfortable with her behaviour. His peaceful interactions with Hafsa demonstrate that emotional compatibility cannot be manufactured through intimidation. This conflict creates an important foundation for understanding the relationships that shape the novel.
As the first book of BAƘAR AYAH, this opening narrative establishes a world filled with secrets, unresolved emotions, and dangerous intentions. It introduces the major relationships and conflicts while leaving readers with questions about the wider consequences of the events already set in motion. The tragedy surrounding Hafsa and her unborn child creates an emotional foundation that makes the future of the household difficult to predict.
Will the truth behind the disturbing events ever become clear? How much of Lubnah's secret activities can remain hidden from the people around her? What will become of Jabeer as he struggles to reconcile his grief with the responsibilities of his family and business? And can a household recover when the foundations of trust have been undermined by jealousy and deception?
These questions make the journey through BAƘAR AYAH particularly intriguing. The story encourages readers to look beyond appearances, question the motives of its characters, and consider the consequences of decisions made in the name of love, pride, and personal satisfaction.
At its heart, BAƘAR AYAH is a cautionary tale about the destructive power of jealousy and the danger of confusing love with ownership. It explores how an inability to accept another person's happiness can turn an ordinary domestic disagreement into a deeply disturbing struggle. It also reminds readers that the people who appear closest to us are not always the people whose intentions we understand best.
There are stories in which love brings people together, stories in which betrayal tears families apart, and stories in which a single person's obsession changes the lives of everyone around them. BAƘAR AYAH brings these elements together in a suspenseful Hausa literary drama that combines emotional intensity with mystery and moral reflection.
For anyone searching for an engaging Hausa novel, a captivating littafin Hausa, or a family drama filled with romance, jealousy, suspense, and unexpected emotional challenges, this book offers an intriguing journey into the complicated lives of its characters. Readers looking to karanta littafin Hausa that explores polygamous marriage, co-wife rivalry, occult practices, betrayal, and the consequences of unchecked hatred will find plenty to reflect upon in this first book.
The story is a reminder that the greatest darkness does not always announce its arrival. Sometimes it enters quietly, wearing a familiar face and speaking with the language of affection. Sometimes the person who offers a smile is carrying an intention that could change another person's life forever.
And sometimes, the most dangerous battle is not fought between strangers, but within the very walls a family calls home.
"Not every heart that smiles wishes you well, and not every person who fears losing love understands how to protect it. When jealousy takes the place of affection, even a home built on comfort can become a place of unimaginable darkness."
BAƘAR AYAH by Sadi-Sakhna is an invitation to discover a world where love, rivalry, secrets, and spiritual darkness collide, leaving behind questions that demand answers. It is a story of fragile happiness, dangerous obsession, and the terrible price that can be paid when the desire to possess another person's heart becomes stronger than the desire to do what is right.
