Chapter Three The Jealous Wives

 Chapter Three

The Jealous Wives

For some years, Mallam Maikudi and Ameera lived together, trying as much as possible to build happiness from the little they had. Their home was not filled with luxury, but it was filled with patience, understanding, and mutual respect. They learned how to manage scarcity, how to smile through difficulty, and how to thank Allah even when things seemed tight. Every day was a lesson, and every challenge strengthened their bond.

They shared responsibilities without complaint. Ameera managed the home wisely, stretching small resources to meet daily needs. Maikudi worked tirelessly, refusing to be idle. He took on small businesses, assisted farmers, and accepted temporary work wherever it appeared. Though progress was slow, they never lost hope. Their nights were often spent in prayer, asking Allah to open doors and place barakah in their efforts.

Then, after a long period of struggle and patience, Allah answered their prayers.

One morning, Maikudi returned home with an expression Ameera had never seen before—part disbelief, part excitement. He sat down quietly, as if afraid the moment would disappear if spoken aloud.

“Ameera,” he called softly.

She turned toward him. “Yes, Maikudi?”

“There is something I need to tell you,” he said.

Her heart skipped. “Is everything okay?”

He smiled slowly. “Alḥamdulillāh… I got a job.”

For a moment, Ameera was silent, trying to understand his words. Then her face lit up.

“A job?” she repeated. “You mean a real job?”

“Yes,” he said, nodding. “A private company. They have accepted me.”

Ameera stood up immediately, joy filling her face. “Allāhu Akbar!” she exclaimed. “Alḥamdulillāh! Alḥamdulillāh!”

Tears filled her eyes as she thanked Allah repeatedly. She embraced him, overwhelmed with gratitude.

“I told you,” she said through her tears. “I told you that a day like this would come.”

Maikudi smiled, his own eyes moist. “You never stopped believing,” he said quietly.

“How could I?” she replied. “That is why I sacrificed my job. I chose to live with the love of my life, trusting Allah completely.”

He held her hands. “Indeed, I am happy to have you as my wife. All that you have done for me—your patience, your sacrifice, your prayers—I can never forget them.”

Ameera shook her head gently. “We did this together.”

That job marked a turning point in their lives. With a steady income, Maikudi’s confidence grew, and their household became more stable. Though the job was not high-paying, it was consistent. For the first time, they could plan beyond daily survival. They repaired small things in their home, improved their meals, and supported their parents more comfortably.

As time passed, Allah further blessed their union.

Ameera gave birth to their first child—a baby boy. The joy that filled their home was indescribable. Maikudi held his son with trembling hands, overwhelmed by gratitude. He thanked Allah for making him a father, remembering his own parents and the lineage he carried forward.

Some years later, Ameera gave birth again, this time to a baby girl. Their family felt complete. The children filled their home with laughter, noise, and renewed purpose. Maikudi became even more dedicated, working hard not just for himself and his wife, but for his children’s future.

For a long period, they lived happily as a couple and as a family. Their marriage became an example in the community. People spoke of how Ameera’s patience and Maikudi’s perseverance had paid off. Those who once criticized her decision now admired her strength.

Life settled into a rhythm—work, home, children, prayer, and gratitude.

Until one day, Ameera surprised Maikudi with a thought he never expected.

It began casually, one evening after the children had fallen asleep. They sat together, talking quietly.

“Maikudi,” Ameera said thoughtfully.

“Yes?” he replied.

“There is something I have been thinking about for some time.”

He looked at her. “What is it?”

She hesitated briefly, then spoke. “I think it is time you consider marrying a second wife.”

The words hung in the air.

Maikudi frowned slightly. “What?” he asked, unsure if he heard correctly.

“I said I think it is time,” she repeated calmly.

He shook his head immediately. “No. I will not do that.”

Ameera studied his face. “Why?”

“Why?” he echoed. “Because I am satisfied. I am happy. I do not want complications in my home.”

He continued firmly, “I struggled with you. We built this life together. I do not want another woman to disturb our peace.”

Ameera listened quietly, then said, “I understand your fear. But think deeper.”

“There is nothing to think about,” he said. “I refuse.”

She did not argue that night.

Days passed. Then weeks. Ameera did not force the issue, but she did not abandon it either. At different times, she gently returned to the topic.

“Maikudi,” she said one afternoon, “our religion allows it.”

“I know,” he replied. “But allowance does not mean obligation.”

“True,” she agreed. “But wisdom is also important.”

He sighed. “I am afraid of hurting you.”

She smiled softly. “You will not hurt me by obeying Allah.”

Another day, she said, “Think of it as sadaqah—helping another woman, another family.”

He responded, “I barely managed one household before. What if I fail again?”

She answered calmly, “Allah who helped us before can help us again.”

Still, Maikudi resisted.

“I do not want jealousy,” he said. “I do not want conflict.”

Ameera replied, “Conflict exists when justice is absent. You are capable of justice.”

Slowly, her words began to settle in his heart. Not because he desired another wife, but because he trusted Ameera’s wisdom. She had never guided him wrongly before.

After much reflection, prayer, and discussion, Maikudi’s resistance softened. He did not rush into agreement, but he no longer rejected the idea outright.

One night, he finally spoke.

“Ameera,” he said, “if I agree… it is because you convinced me, not because I sought it.”

She nodded. “That is enough.”

Thus, a decision was made—one that would open the door to a new chapter in their lives, a chapter that would test emotions, patience, and justice in ways they never imagined.

The journey of the jealous wives was only beginning.

To Be Continue Inshallah..... 

©AHMAD ZAHIR ENAGI ABU KHALIF