Ameenah's Story

A young girl named Ameenah approached her mother, her face filled with concern, and said, "Ummi, Ummi, are you alright? I don't know what I've done to upset you, but please tell me. If I have made a mistake, please forgive me. Whatever it is, just let me know so I can correct it in the future." Ummi replied, "My dear, you haven't done anything wrong." Ameenah then asked, "Then why don't I receive the same attention from you that other children get from their mothers?" Ummi had no answer to give. She knew deep down that she treated her differently because she was her firstborn daughter, but she could never bring herself to say it. Instead, she always referred to her as "my dear" rather than by her real name.

Feeling hurt by the silence, Ameenah got up and left for her grandmother Kahu Tasi'u's quarters. Inside, she was deeply saddened. Ummi watched her go with a pang of guilt, knowing that it wasn't intentional but rather a result of her own internal struggles, which she had tried discussing with her daughter but always failed to express.

Who is Ameenah?

Ameenah Kabeer Yuseef is her full name. She was born in Kano, in the Kofar Mata neighborhood. She is the only daughter her parents have; her siblings are boys: Jameelu and Sa'ad. Their home is a large, traditional house shared with many family members. Her father, Malam Yusif, is the youngest in the household. He and his wife, Talatu, have six children in total: four boys and two girls.

- Alhaji Yunus is the eldest.

- Alhaji Mansur.

- Alhaji Tasi'u.

- Hajiya Na'ima.

- Hajiya Saudat.

- Malam Kabeer, who is Ameenah's father.

Being the youngest and less affluent, Malam Kabeer is often treated as the family's subordinate. His father, Malam Yusif, passed away ten years ago. He had a special fondness for Kabeer because he followed in his footsteps as a scholar. In contrast, the others pursued secular education, while the women had some schooling before marriage.

Alhaji Yunus's Family

Alhaji Yunus has five children:

- Yaya Nasir (the eldest).

- Yaya Najib.

- Nasma.

- Nafisa.

- Nasiba.

Alhaji Mansur's Family

Alhaji Mansur has three children:

- Adam.

- Jamila.

- Mihra.

Alhaji Tasi'u's Family

Alhaji Tasi'u has two daughters:

- Anisa.

- Aysha.

Hajiya Na'ima's Family

Hajiya Na'ima had several children, but sadly, most of them passed away. Only her eldest son, Yaya Anas, survives.

 Hajiya Saudat's Family

Hajiya Saudat has two children:

- Yusif (who was named after their grandfather).

- Kairat, who is married.