Reflecting on what my experience has brought me over the years, I can say that bravery is the essence of life. Patience is the key to breathing and achieving a long life for any being in peace. Whenever people ask us what our greatest virtue is, we instinctively look within and respond with "upbringing" (TARBIYYA). However, for me, it is not entirely so. I can quietly, even loudly, declare my stance. Do not be surprised or misinterpret my perspective as extreme or unconventional. I am not denying that upbringing (TARBIYYA) can be considered a virtue, but the truth is that religion (ADDINI) is the greatest virtue for me. It encompasses everything about me. I hold this belief because I deeply respect my religion, which shapes all aspects of my life.
The world is the first school for every living being, where one struggles and strives for the ultimate reward in the hereafter. How you navigate life determines your respect and status in everything. Every living being fears death, but that does not stop us from desiring life and hoping for paradise, where one can attain unimaginable blessings. Despite the fleeting nature of our days, we never stop planning for our dreams, even if we are uncertain about seeing tomorrow.
Life presents itself to each person according to their destiny, no matter how much one struggles for or against it. Let me simplify my thoughts for Bilyn Abdull and all of you. My name is SAMRAAH ABDUL-WAHAB GWARZO. In real life, I am just the daughter of Malam Abdul-Wahab Gwarzo. My father was not a ruler, a wealthy man, or a prominent scholar. He was a driver working for a rich family. Sadly, he passed away in a car accident when I was seven years old. He left behind three children: my elder brother, Musaddiq, myself, Samraah, and our youngest, Hafizzullah. After our mother also passed away following Hafizzullah's birth when I was barely three, our care fell to our mother's younger brother, Uncle Imam. His wife continued to nurse Hafizzullah alongside her own child, born around the same time as our mother’s death. Consequently, Hafizzullah and their child grew up like twins. Following our father's death, Musaddiq's care also transferred to Uncle Imam.
Although our father was neither wealthy nor powerful, he left us with inherited farmlands and a house. Additionally, there was some money in a bank account. Our mother also left us inherited lands from her parents, shared with Uncle Imam, as they were the only children. Both our parents' properties were in Gwarzo, while we lived in Kano city. Due to our young age, Uncle Imam managed all our inheritance, including farming the lands and renting out the house. Uncle Imam continued to support our education and all aspects of our lives until we grew up.
Life at Uncle Imam's house was not easy due to his wife's harsh nature, but we endured it all. We faced various challenges of being orphans, experiencing discrimination in everything compared to their children. This included food, schooling (they attended private schools while we attended government schools), clothing, and even sleeping arrangements. What might surprise you is that this preferential treatment extended even from Uncle Imam, not just his wife. Initially, we would cry and wipe our tears, but as we matured, especially me, I began to retaliate. I endured all the scolding and mistreatment from Mom and Abba, but I could not ignore their children's behavior. Even if they were older, I would retaliate when they threatened me, which gave me some peace, even if it meant facing consequences later. However, Musaddiq was different; he was quiet and reserved, and Hafizzullah was also not very outspoken.
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