Chapter Six The Jealous wives

 Chapter Six 

The Jealous wives 

Maikudi became completely worn out by everything that was happening in his home. Every single day came with a new quarrel, new accusations, new tears. His heart was heavy, his mind restless, and his body tired. No matter how hard he tried to be fair, no matter how many rules he set, peace refused to stay. At last, he decided that the matter had grown beyond him alone.

One evening, he gathered courage and said, “This problem is bigger than me. I will call our families. Maybe when elders speak, hearts will soften.”

Messages were sent to everyone. Parents, uncles, aunties, elders, and respected relatives from both his side and the wives’ families came together. The house was filled with people, but instead of comfort, the air was tense and cold.

Ameera sat quietly at the edge of the room, her eyes lowered. Sakina sat upright, her face filled with sorrow. Maryam sat beside her, nodding gently as if already agreeing with everything Sakina would say.

Maikudi stood before them and spoke with a tired voice.

“My people, I called you here because my home is breaking. I have tried everything I know. I beg you, help me bring peace back into my family.”

An elder cleared his throat.

“Let us hear from everyone.”

Sakina stood up immediately. Tears rolled down her cheeks.

“My elders,” she said, “since I entered this house, I have known no peace.”

People murmured in sympathy.

“I lost my child,” she continued, crying loudly. “Since that day, my heart has never rested.”

A woman from her family exclaimed, “Allah knows how painful that is.”

Sakina wiped her tears and said slowly, “And since then, I have been living in fear.”

“Fear of what?” someone asked.

Sakina looked briefly toward Ameera, then away.

“Fear of someone who pretends to be patient but hides evil in her heart.”

Whispers spread across the room.

Before Ameera could speak, Maryam stood up.

“I support everything Sakina said,” she declared firmly. “From the day I entered this house, I felt unsafe.”

An elder frowned. “Unsafe how?”

Maryam replied, “I was always afraid, even for my unborn child. Some people smile too much.”

A woman shook her head. “This is serious.”

Then all eyes turned to Ameera.

One of the elders said sternly, “You, speak. What do you say to all this?”

Ameera stood slowly. Her hands trembled.

“By Allah,” she said softly, “I am innocent.”

Some people scoffed.

She continued, “I sacrificed my job for my husband. I welcomed my co-wives with peace. I never harmed anyone.”

A man interrupted her.

“If you are innocent, why do two women complain about you?”

Ameera froze.

“I don’t know,” she whispered. “Allah knows my heart.”

Another elder said coldly, “Too much patience can hide many things.”

Her heart broke at those words.

Maikudi stepped forward quickly.

“She has never answered insults with insults,” he said. “She has endured everything.”

But one of Sakina’s relatives replied sharply,

“Then why did our daughter lose her child?”

Maikudi had no answer.

The voices rose louder.

“She is pretending.”

“She cries to gain sympathy.”

“Where there is smoke, there must be fire.”

Ameera felt dizzy. Her ears rang.

Her father finally stood up.

“My daughter fears Allah,” he said calmly. “She would never harm anyone.”

Someone replied, “Fear of Allah should bring peace, not trouble.”

Her mother began to cry.

“She has suffered enough. Please.”

But the hearts of many were already closed.

In the end, the elders spoke again.

“This matter needs patience.”

“She should endure.”

“Time will reveal the truth.”

Ameera understood what that meant. She was to carry the burden alone.

Later that night, she returned briefly to her parents’ house. She collapsed into her mother’s arms, crying uncontrollably.

“They all believe lies,” she said. “Even without proof.”

Her father held her gently.

“My daughter, this world is not a place of justice. Allah is.”

Her mother wiped her tears.

“This is a test from Allah. Patience is bitter, but its reward is sweet.”

Ameera nodded through tears.

“Does Allah really see everything?” she asked weakly.

“Yes,” her father replied firmly. “And He never forgets.”

She returned to her home quieter than before. She stopped defending herself. She spoke less. She prayed more. Every insult, every accusation, she placed before Allah.

Though everyone turned against her, she held tightly to patience, unaware that Allah was already preparing a moment when truth would speak louder than lies.

Chapter Six 

The Jealous Wives (Continuation)

As time passed, Ameera went through more hardship than she ever imagined. She had no one to lean on. Her husband was often away from home because of work, leaving early in the morning and returning late at night. Inside the house, Ameera was left alone with all the responsibilities. She worked endlessly—cleaning, cooking, washing, caring for the children—while the other wives went out for their jobs and returned tired but free from household burdens.

Many days, Ameera felt like a servant in her own home. Her body ached, her hands were always rough, and her heart was heavy. Yet she never complained. She reminded herself that Allah sees even the smallest effort done in silence. She chose strength over bitterness and patience over anger.

Time moved on, and then Allah tested the household again in a different way.

Sakina, who had once lost her child, became pregnant again.

This time, fear filled her heart. Memories of her loss haunted her. She became weak, both physically and emotionally. And when the time came, she gave birth to a child once more.

Surprisingly, it was Ameera who stood beside her.

Maryam, whom Sakina called a friend, did not stay long. She visited briefly and left. She made excuses—work, tiredness, responsibilities. But Ameera remained. She cooked for Sakina, cleaned her room, washed the baby’s clothes, and stayed awake at night when the child cried.

One night, as Ameera gently rocked the baby, Sakina watched her silently. Guilt began to creep into her heart.

Later, when the house was quiet, Sakina spoke.

“Why are you doing all this?” she asked coldly, though her voice lacked strength.

Ameera looked at her calmly. “Because you are my sister in faith, and you just gave birth.”

Sakina frowned. “After everything I have said about you? After all the insults?”

Ameera nodded. “Yes.”

Sakina’s voice rose. “Do you think this will erase what happened to my first child?”

Ameera’s eyes filled with tears. “I have never harmed you, Sakina. Allah knows.”

Sakina turned away, angry and confused. “You pretend too much.”

Ameera replied softly, “I am not pretending. I only fear Allah.”

Sakina suddenly burst out, “You made my life miserable! I accused you, insulted you, and still you stand here like nothing happened!”

Ameera’s voice shook. “Do you know how many nights I cried? Do you know how many times you called me a witch?”

Sakina was silent.

“I worked like a slave in this house,” Ameera continued. “I stood by you when everyone else left you. Even now, when you needed help, I was the one here.”

Sakina’s eyes filled with tears. “Why didn’t you fight back?”

Ameera whispered, “Because patience is my weapon.”

Sakina covered her face and cried. “I treated you badly.”

Ameera stepped closer. “I forgive you.”

Sakina looked up, shocked. “Just like that?”

“Yes,” Ameera replied. “For the sake of Allah.”

Sakina sobbed. “I was blind. Hatred destroyed my heart.”

Ameera placed the baby gently on the bed. “May Allah heal all our hearts.”

For the first time in a long while, Sakina felt ashamed. She realized that while hatred had consumed her, Ameera had been standing firm—alone, patient, and sincere.

But though Sakina’s heart softened that night, the wounds of the past were still deep, and the house was still fragile. Ameera returned quietly to her duties, knowing that forgiveness does not erase pain overnight, and that patience often walks a long road before relief finally arrives.

To Be Continue Inshallah..... 

©AHMAD ZAHIR ENAGI ABU KHALIF