Have your say

Re: Al-Bint’s defence Salam, I have read your “defence”. First, I must commend your commitment and dedication, just as I pray that Allah strengthens you and increase you in HIKMAH, amin. Well, I’ve been reading and following the thrust of your “diary” since I came across the column (I have copies of Weekly Trust dating […]

Re: Al-Bint’s defence

Salam, I have read your “defence”. First, I must commend your commitment and dedication, just as I pray that Allah strengthens you and increase you in HIKMAH, amin.
Well, I’ve been reading and following the thrust of your “diary” since I came across the column (I have copies of Weekly Trust dating back to year 2000 and I recently re-read your WHERE IS MY HERO – March 2002). While I’ve always felt that the stories represent real life situations, I’ve only felt like reacting on very, very rare occasions. In fact, the strongest I’ve ever felt was – and still is – to suggest to you the need to have the diary compiled in volumes (maybe small booklets) but I always feel discouraged since I know we would effectively hide them by doing that because Nigerians don’t read books. I know much of it, if not all – is already online and it partially serves that end, but I’ve this idea of something that one can put on the shelf, on the bedside reading collections, present to someone as a gift, etc. So, you may consider the suggestion if you find it worthwhile.
Thirdly, AL-BINT, I do not live in a world of utopian innocence. Incest – including father/daughter, mother/son, fathers killing children  for money ritual and vice versa, and countless horrible things do happen… But such a hideous crime in a Muslim setting such as the one that forms the template of your writings did struck me like a thunderbolt.
Lastly, PLEASE DO WRITE – and I pray once again that Allah guides you the more – because as I’ve learnt, I believe many more would. Thank you, bissslam. Muhammad Isa.

Having read your column on the above, I feel I should add to the responses it has so far elicited.
I remember reading the 10th anniversary of the column interview and it was there that I got the idea that 95% of your write up is based on true life.
I must admit that  I have read some of your articles that were disturbing but that is quite common in the media since when we read about little kids getting raped. The truth is that your column is doing a moral crusade in our complex and conflict ridden society.
The northern society which we live in is so morally bankrupt that we expect saints from our siblings and offspring when we do not bother to put them on the correct moral plane, thus leaving them at the mercy of a STRANGER IN THE HOUSE e.g smart-phone and its applications; whether detrimental to the society or not.
Thanks for using your column as a medium for enlightment  and a NOBLE CAUSE which has graduated from FIRST WIVES’ CLUB, to LADIES’ PARLIAMENT and now trickled down to the next generation. We have immensely benefited from the column.
Thanks.
Musa Mohammed [email protected]

Salam, just finished reading your ‘defence’ on the above caption. You don’t owe any of us any explanation. There is no story you write about that will not elicit a response be it good or bad. If you feel so strongly about the criticisms you get, borrow a leaf from your fellow columnists and publish some of them that make sense. All said and done, keep up the good work. Jazakillah khairan.  
USMAN from Birnin Kebbi.

Thank you, Anti Bint for your defence. Sometime lately, a friend asked me the  question ‘ Is what Al-Bint writes   fact or just fiction?’
I was actually confused as to what my answer should be. But alhamdulillah, she’ll see it for herself today. Thanks again and keep the good things on. Bissalam. Rabiata Garga.

I really appreciate your effort in  the defence of ‘MY ACTING HUSBAND.’ Though I’m not married but I’ve learnt a lot of morals about marriage and what it takes to live successfully, as couples, from your diary. I admit I’m new to your column because it was introduced to me by a friend no less than five months ago. In conclusion, I wish you Almighty Allah’s mercy and may He increase you in knowledge, amin. Hameeda Yusuf
I discovered this interesting column some few years back.  Though I’m not that old, neither am I married or in a serious relationship but I found the column not only interesting but a place to learn from people’s “mistakes and experience “. Yet I found your defence rather the BEST of all I have ever read. Not only have you shown those who irrationally reacted to your previous column that you know what you are doing and how to do your job well but you’ve shown them that you are intellectually “capacitated”  and can stand up for yourself . I just wanted to applaud you for your good work and you should always bear in mind that you have fans like me who enjoy every bit of your “words”. Thank you.
Mariya Bayero.

 I was really impressed with the defence you put up last week. But please I have a suggestion, try and write about the ladies that are married but engage in drug abuse which also leads them to commit other vices. Thank you.
Abdullahi Aminu, student of BUK, Kano.

Assalamu alaykum wa Rahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.
I am a great fan of your column and I truly appreciate your efforts. I have learned so much from your stories and I am so attached to it that sometimes I can’t even wait for Saturdays to arrive.  May Allah (SWT) continue to bless & reward you abundantly (AMEEN).
Personally, whenever I read your diary, I always assume its a real life event irrespective of the fiction it may contain. This is because, apart from the fact that each story always depicts the lifestyles of modern/urban northern muslim communities which always interests me, amazing things also happen which proves that wonders will never cease on planet earth till the Last day. What wonder about is, do the perpetrators of evil such as in “the acting husband” and “the perfect murder” go unpunished? (I hope not).
It would be nice if such kind of story is spiced up (a little bit) with the punishment that would be pescribed for such dastardly acts according to Islamic law, at least to serve as a deterrent for others.
I also wish to suggest that events during the time of the Prophet (S.A.W) and/or pious predecessors be chipped in once in a while to add more spice to your stories.
May Allah (SWT) protect us from the fitna of shaytan and mankind. (AMEEN).
Ma’ assalam.

I would like to say a word or two in relation to the controversial edition you published last week. Readers have to understand that what is being published in the column are all stories and stories are meant to be told and listened to with some satisfaction, amusement or sadness in some cases. Each story that is told has lesson(s) that could be derived from it. As you have stated in your defence, most of them are real events but the settings, characters and the circumstances surrounding such stories are altered. Isn’t that good enough? These issues have to be conveyed so that those involved can realise the truth.
That being said, I would like to say I am an ardent reader of your column. In fact I always look forward to new editions being publised after reading the latest one. I love reading them especially for the fact that they are regulated religiously- no slangs, no offensive words and strictly formal. In a few words, just the way I like it. Thank you.
Ridwan Baba Muhammad.

Salam,
Actually I have always wondered how you come up with the stories in your diary. I used to tell myself its all fiction until I read your defence on the story of Danladi, his wife (Talatu) and his cousin. As shocking as it is, it isnt much different from something that happened in my neighborhood. But in the case here, it went beyond your story because they even had a child in this unfortunate act. I just write to tell you how much you are appreciated for your efforts. Well done.
Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.

I am not a regular reader of your column. However, when a title catches my eye, I read it, if time permits.
First of all, I would like to commend you on your success over the years. Your style of writing surely “mirrors our society”. I just read the sequel to the story “My acting husband” and felt obliged to express myself.
It is unfortunate that some readers are sensitive. The sad reality is, these things happen in our real world. Yes, in the Hausa/Fulani-Islamic oriented societies. And, not everyone can open up and share their stories.
All I am trying to say is, we should accept reality, these things happen for real. If we come across such stories, we should pray and heed the warnings the stories tell.
Please do not relent, we would like to read anything you have for us.
Thank you.

Assalamu alaikum. I am a regular reader of your column. I wish to correct a mistake I found in your edition of Saturday 4 October 2014. The correction is that it is wrong to write inshaAllah like that as in the sentence ‘I will travel home first thing tomorrow inshaAllah’ Talatu concluded.  When you write it like that it means ‘create Allah’ instead you write ‘In Sha Allah’ in three separate words which means ‘if Allah wills’. Thank you.

Re: Here is to love

Salam,
I just finished reading your column “Here is to love”. I really enjoyed it. ln fact it’s one of my favourites. It was so sweet and romantic. I always picture Aisha Umar as Bint and Kabir Yusuf as Tahir so seeing that it was dedicated to them made it more interesting. May Allah continue to bless your marriage, amin. After reading it, I asked my mother whether she has read it and she said ‘no’ but my Dad told her it was the reason he remembered their anniversary which was the following Sunday. Masha Allah, they celebrated their 29th anniversary that day. We pray to Allah to continue to shower His endless blessings upon their marriage. Ameen
Jazakillahu khairan for your ever enlightening, interesting and lovely stories.
Bissalam, Fatima Dikko.