The Young Scholar Episode 4

Aurthor’s Quote

“A problem is a chance for you to
do your best. We definitely can’t solve our problems with the same thinking we
used when we created them. A problem is only a problem if you refuse to look
for a solution. Our real problem, then is not our strength, it’s rather the
vital necessity of action”.

Two of Khadijah’s male class mate
stopped Abdulrasaq and Khadijah on their way home. They were behaving like
thugs and trying to scare of Abdulrasaq. Khadijah’s closest friend Abdulfatai
was looking with an envious way and anyone could tell he was being jealous of
him.

Abdulfatai – Khadijah, who is he?

Khadijah – Why are you guys
blocking our way? Abeg make una shift jor

Abdulrasaq – Asalamu alaykum to
you both

Abdulwahab – who u they sallam
give? We no won see you near this girl again oo

Khadijah – What’s the meaning of
this rubbish you guys are performing this morning… Abdulrasaq please make we
dey go

Abdulrasaq – (trying to take a
step but was pushed away by Abdulwahab) Hey! Bro… please be easy on me, I’m
just a friendly neighbor.

Abdulfatai – Mr. friendly neighbor
this is my girlfriend so stay clear from her

Abdulrasaq kept silent while
Khadijah replied them: be like say una two dey mad aswear. Abdulfatai wetin I
hear you talk just now?… make I assume say I no hear you she said angrily and
drag abdulrasaq and they left. Abdulrasaq didn’t say a word until they got
home. Khadijah apologized to him for everything that happened on their way
back.

Abdulrasaq – it’s alright I do
understand…. You know it’s not your fault. Well thank you for the stuff you
bought (He smiled)

Khadijah – you’re welcome English
man (she tries to tease him)

They both went into their homes. Abdulrasaq prepared breakfast and ate
then rest for a while before zuhri. He hastened up to the mosque to call the
adhan and then observed salat… Ever since he has been calling the Adhan, more
muslim have been coming to the mosque regularly. Most people are already asking
questions trying to dig out things about abdulrasaq. Meanwhile Abdulrasaq
continue doing his dua to Allah to guide him aright and make him accomplish his
task.

After Asr prayer Mallam Ahmed told Imam Malik that he would be
travelling his village immediately that he just got a call that his father died
few minutes ago. Since he won’t be around for the jumat service tomorrow, Imam Malik as Mallam Jibril and Mallam Sani if
anyone of them could help do the sermon for for Jumat but they both said it was
in prompt and they would need to think about it.

Mallam Jibril – I think we should
ask abdulrasaq if he can ya Amir.

Imam Malik – Okay, call him for me
lets ask him.

Mallam Jibril – (called Abdulrasaq
and they asked him) Can you give sermon?

Abdulrasaq – Yes I can

Imam Malik – We will want you to
give sermon for Jumat service tomorrow

Abdulrasaq – I will do my best
Insha Allah. But it would be my first time to preach in a Jumat Service. Indeed
it’s a honour

Mallam Jibril – Masha Allah.

Imam Malik – Indeed these task are
not coming from us but it is coming from the Most Highly exalted in Might. Go
and get ready!

Abdulrasaq – Jaza Kallahu Hayran

Abdulrasaq went home smiling and
excited. He met Mummy Khadijah and her children and also two other neighbors; Mummy
Habib and Mummy Zainab. They were all discussing when he got there.

Abdulrasaq – Asalamu alaykum wa
rahmatullah wa barakatuh [He greeted everyone]

Wa alaykum salam wa rahmatullah
wa barakatuh {they all responded}…

Mummy Khadijah – Welcome
Abdulrasaq.

Abdulrasaq – Thank you ma

Mummy Khadijah – Khadijah tell us
wetin happen say he friends won beat you because them see you and her dey
waka.. Na wa oo. No mind them oo

Abdulrasaq – It’s fine ma. I have
even forgot about the whole thing. And everyone should.

Mummy Zainab – Mama Khadijah make
I rush prepare food for my baby, I dey come.

Mummy Khadijah – Okay, no wahala
we dey here dey wait you

Abdulrasaq – Mummy Khadijah about
the question I asked the other time… You know I said I would prefer teaching.

Mummy Khadijah – Yes, You talk so

Abdulrasaq – Is there any school
that is in need of a Teacher?

Mummy Khadijah – which of the
subject you go like teach?

Abdulrasaq – I can teach Maths,
Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Islamic religious studies

Mummy Khadijah – wow… be like you
know book well well ohh.. But for here no muslim school so none of the children
dey offer Islamic Religious Studies (IRS)

Abdulrasaq – Okay ma

Mummy Khadijah – No worry, Schools
dey when go take you. You fit apply for Khadijah school sef.

Abdulrasaq – Okay, Thank you ma. I
really appreciate…

He left and entered his
apartment. While he was standing outside, Khadijah was just staring at him at
first he thought it was normal but later on he saw she was catching emotions
and then he lowered his gaze. In his heart he feels he needs to keep away from
her and also from the women (the mothers) when they are set to gossip.