Kaddarar Rayuwa Book One Complete Hausa Novel: Narrative Overview & English Translation

Welcome to the translated edition and narrative breakdown of Kaddarar Rayuwa Book One Complete Hausa Novel. The story contrasts two cousins from the royal house of Katagum: Mashkur, a disciplined Air Force officer, and Maina, a reckless prince whose scandalous behavior drives his family to a major decision.

Below is the complete narrative adaptation and summary of the opening chapter.

Chapter 1: The Scandal and the Royal Decree

Tensions at the Air Force Base

Sitting in his office, Mashkur remained deeply preoccupied by his cousin Maina’s concerning behavior despite the heavy workload on his desk. He struggled to comprehend how Maina could repeatedly stray from religious principles. Mashkur himself maintained strict discipline—he did not consume kola nuts, let alone alcohol or engage in immoral acts. He lowered his gaze around women outside his immediate family, interacting comfortably only with his younger sisters, Ubaidatu and Zuhra, both born into the Katagum royal family.

His phone rang, snapping him out of his thoughts. He answered with deep respect, recognizing the caller as his uncle, whom he addressed as Abba (Alhaji Husaini Muhammad, the Emir of Katagum).

“Yes, Abba… Oh, no one is at the house; the keys are with you. Please wait for me, I am coming right away to open it for you.”

Panicking, Mashkur stood up abruptly. “I am in trouble if Abba catches Maina with that girl inside…”

Grabbing his car keys, he rushed out of his office. His military aides moved to follow, but he signaled for them to stand down. He got into his vehicle and sped out of the Air Force Base located in Gubi, Bauchi State, driving frantically.

Caught in the Act

By the time Mashkur arrived, the Emir of Katagum and his entourage had already reached the officers’ quarters at Maiduguri Bypass and parked near Maina’s car. The Emir walked straight into the house, proceeding alone toward Maina’s room while the rest of his entourage waited in the living room.

As the Emir approached the hallway leading to Maina’s room, he heard compromising sounds. Overcome with grief, he pushed open the door and lifted the curtain, catching Maina in an intimate act with a woman.

Overwhelmed by heartbreak, the Emir stumbled backward. Before he could fall, Mashkur arrived and supported him from behind, recognized instantly by his distinct cologne.

Mashkur guided Abba into his own room, sat him gently on the edge of the bed, and offered him a glass of cold water from the refrigerator. Lowering his head in deep shame, Mashkur felt mortified that his worst fear had come true in front of their father.

Leaving Abba to rest, Mashkur entered Maina’s room. Finding them still together, he turned his back and spoke calmly:

“When you are finished, Abba is waiting in my room. You act as though women will cease to exist if you don’t indulge your desires. You know the respected family you come from, yet you commit adultery without a second thought. If you want a wife, Maina, there are respectable women in our family and other royal households—not street girls who will lead you astray.”

Mashkur walked out, deeply upset. Maina, now trembling, realized this was the second time his father had caught him in such a position. Maina quickly showered, threw on a pair of shorts, and warned the woman in his room not to step outside until instructed.

The Royal Verdict

Maina walked into Mashkur’s room, cowering near the wall. The Emir sat quietly, holding his glass of water.

Mashkur spoke up softly, “Abba, please forgive him. Insha Allah, this will never happen again.”

The Emir raised his hand, stopping him. “You did not commit a crime, Mashkur, and neither did he alone. The fault lies with us. If we had arranged a marriage for him earlier, this might not have happened. But we prioritized higher education so our children could build careers. I never expected Allah to test me with a son who commits adultery. I have never consumed alcohol or pursued women aimlessly; my marriage to your mother was arranged. Maina, out of all my children, you have strayed the furthest.”

The Emir adjusted his posture and delivered a firm decree:

“Preparations will begin immediately. In two weeks, both of your weddings will take place. Maina, I will not wait to catch you a third time. Whether you are ready or not, I am marrying you off to Ubaidatu.”

Mashkur looked up in shock, his heart aching for his younger sister Ubaidatu. He struggled to process how a virtuous woman could be paired with someone as reckless as Maina.

The Emir then turned to Mashkur. “And you, Mashkur, you will be married to Zubaidatu. I know she loves you, and it has always been her dream. Both of you must prepare; the weddings will hold in two weeks.”

The Emir stood up and exited to the living room, instructing his entourage to prepare for their return home. Before leaving the house, he looked back at Maina one last time and said, “May Allah guide you to the right path. I will not curse you, but I warn you: if you continue down this road, life will teach you a harsh lesson.”