Nabila said tearfully, “I’ve handed all my affairs over to Allah. Every day I ask Him to stand for me. Only two weeks left before the result comes out. And tomorrow I’ll be traveling to Abuja for the Qur’an competition. This might be the last time I see you in this school. If I’m dismissed, then I wish you success in your studies. My advice to you is—never let any useless man deceive you in the name of help. Always remember death. Fear Allah wherever you are.”
She finished speaking and hugged Falila. They both cried until they were exhausted, then said goodbye.
The Next Morning
Nabila prepared early and met Alhaji, Hajiya Jummai, and her aunt in the sitting room. They prayed for her and wished her well. Then they all went outside where Ubale the driver was cleaning the car.
Alhaji instructed him to take Nabila to her Islamic school. Ubale took her luggage, placed it in the boot of a Camry, and said, “Bismillah, let’s go.”
They drove straight to the Islamic school, where many teachers were gathered waiting for her. The senior master—appointed to travel with her—joined her, and they left for Damaturu airport.
Ubale, being an experienced driver, managed the journey smoothly. Soon, they arrived at the airport. The plane was ready, so they said farewell to Ubale and boarded.
Abuja, Nigeria
By Allah’s grace, their flight from Damaturu to Abuja took only 40 minutes. After landing, they took a taxi to the International Conference Center (ICC), the venue of the national Qur’an competition. They checked in using their participant documents.
Two days were spent screening contestants.
On Monday, the competition began. It would last ten days. At the end, three winners would be chosen.
After the tenth day, the chairman of the competition, Alaramma Sa’ad, stepped forward to announce the results. He began with praise to Allah, then highlighted the importance of the Qur’an.
Finally, he said:
“Nabila Alhassan is the contestant who has achieved first place. Nabila, please come forward to receive your prizes.”
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