TATTALIN SO – PART 1 (Page 1)

Colonel Aliyu Gwarzo was a soldier. His father was Alhaji Yahuza, who had two wives and five children. The first wife, Hajiya Habiba, had three children: Aliyu, who was the eldest, then Sani and Sa’adiya. The second wife, Hajiya Talatu, had two children: Ni’ima and Hamza.

They were all raised with good manners and unity. There was no division among them; they lived with love, respect, and no favoritism.

Alhaji Safiyanu was the younger brother of Alhaji Yahuza. He had one wife, Hajiya Saude, and three children — two boys, Faruq and Sadiq, and a younger girl, Zainab.

They all lived in a big family compound, each family in their own section, but with strong love and togetherness.

Their grandmother, known as Hajiya Babba, also lived in her own part of the compound. She was a kind, religious, respected old woman who valued family ties. She welcomed relatives warmly and always supported them. She often gathered her grandchildren, teaching them stories of the Prophets and giving them advice with a soft and loving voice.

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TATTALIN SO – PART 1 (Page 2)

Aliyu’s grandmother kept encouraging him to get married. Aliyu complained:

> “Hajiya, you are pressuring me too much about marriage. Don’t you care about me?”

She replied:

> “I care. I want a companion for myself too. If you can’t find a wife, I’ll find one for you.”

Aliyu laughed, but Hajiya was serious. She wanted him to get married to gain respect and stability, because Aliyu was a calm, obedient, respectful young man who always listened to his parents. Despite being young, he was mature and responsible, and his parents trusted his judgment.

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Daily Routine in the Household

The children returned from school around 6 PM. On that day, Zainab returned home hungry and discovered that the leftover ice-cream she kept in the refrigerator was gone — Sadiq had taken it to school and finished it.

She cried loudly, throwing a tantrum. Aliyu heard her, came out, and disciplined her kindly but firmly. He made her eat real food first before taking sweets. Afterward, he gave the driver money to buy her more ice-cream, yoghurt, and roasted chicken.

This showed how much Aliyu cared for Zainab despite being strict with her.

Later, Zainab went to her grandmother’s section to recite Suratul-Rahman. She recited beautifully, and everyone listened quietly. Aliyu admired her intelligence and encouraged her learning.

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