KEY

When the word "face" is mentioned, what first comes to many minds is the human face that Allah (Glory be to Him) created. It is through the face, with all its diverse features, that people often recognize individuals and identify their ethnic or community backgrounds.

Looking at marriage through the lens of Islam, we understand that it is a virtuous act. This is because it follows the Sunnah (tradition) of our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Following the Sunnah can lead millions of people to the path of salvation—paradise, which every righteous Muslim desires to attain. However, disregarding or neglecting the rules of the Sunnah can lead a community towards Hellfire—something every faithful Muslim strives to avoid by building spiritual and moral safeguards.

As we know, times change like a chameleon. Each era comes with its unique features and people living through it. In this present time—where things seem to be moving in unpredictable ways—many women view marriage from different perspectives. Some even see polygamy or the introduction of a co-wife through a very negative lens. Especially when senior wives think that their wit or charm is what earned them the position in the first place. Some go as far as making life difficult for the new bride—cooking peanut soup with hidden motives or misusing household funds to sabotage the husband’s bonding with his new wife. They behave as though they are permanent fixtures in the house—like water or furniture—regardless of whether they are wanted or not, without thinking about the consequences this may bring in the future.

Still, despite how senior wives may try to make life hard for new brides, the situation hasn't changed much. Some new brides, in their shallow thinking, believe that the husband chose them only because of his wife's failure or tiredness. They assume the man married another woman due to lack of love or satisfaction with the first wife. And since many men don’t even consult their first wives when planning to remarry, new brides sometimes see themselves as superior, hoping to torment the senior wife to prove that the husband no longer loves her. They forget to reflect on how they might be sabotaging their own happiness.

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Yaya Salis' house was full of women, including young girls, due to the emotional strain Aunty Murja was enduring. Since evening, she had felt her chest tighten with anxiety, prompting her to retreat to her room with her relatives. Every time she passed through the central courtyard to her room, a comment would sting her deeply.

Bilkisu was sitting in the living room with other relatives. She turned to Hafsa and said:

"Hand over the money for your outfit. You said you'd give it to me today. You know we don't do business on credit anymore—just give me the money so I can tally things up." Hafsa smiled and replied:

“Aunty Bilkisu, with all the sales you’ve made, can’t you at least let me have part of your profit?”

Bilkisu glared at her, about to speak, when Aunty Murja entered the kitchen. Salma nudged Bilkisu and whispered:

“Honestly, I feel sorry for Aunty Murja. Even though she’s trying to suppress her jealousy, you can see she’s lost weight—her face looks like she’s been crying.”

Bilkisu scoffed and said, "I don't feel sorry for her one bit. Honestly, I’m even happy. Look at the space she’s occupied in this house—just her and her three kids. Meanwhile, her husband keeps gaining weight. Now that a new wife is coming, of course she has to step aside." They all burst into laughter and clapped.

Hadiza, Bilkisu’s friend, added:

“Honestly, no woman truly accepts sharing her husband unless things didn’t go the way she wanted. No one enjoys having a co-wife. I admire Aunty Murja because even though she’s upset, she composed herself throughout the wedding.”

Another woman chimed in sarcastically:

“Well, I’m team bride. I was there yesterday decorating the new room with her family. I even helped nail the curtain rods. I laid out the bedsheets myself. Who do they expect to step aside—me, when it’s my brother’s night of romance?”

Bilkisu added smugly, “Did you see how he was pleading with her yesterday? I swear, Yaya Salis has been completely consumed. He even promised to buy her a car. I’m sure his father-in-law prayed heavily for this marriage to happen. I’d be surprised if he ever looks at another woman again.”

Sadiya laughed and said, “That’s not my concern. I just want to see her face when the bride enters. All she says is, 'Abban Sajida this, Abban Sajida that.' May she see the reality of men today—let’s hope he shows his true colors...”

Sadiya’s words trailed off as Aunty Murja walked past from the kitchen. Though she heard some of the remarks, she pretended not to. She smiled and said, “Good afternoon.”

Bilkisu snapped, “Aunty Murja, we should be the ones greeting you. Having a co-wife is no joke. Honestly, if anyone told me Yaya would marry another woman, I’d never have believed them. Men truly are unpredictable.”

Before Aunty Murja could reply, the sound of the bridal convoy’s cars echoed from outside. The ululation began instantly, and Aunty Murja’s heart started racing. Tears welled up in her eyes, and before she knew it, she was crying. Bilkisu bowed her head in mock sympathy, laughing cruelly. Aunty Murja rushed to her room, trying to contain her sobs. Sadiya and others quickly went outside to welcome the bride.

Bilkisu was so active you’d think she was the bride’s sister. Some of the bride’s relatives even recognized her from the decoration team. Their affectionate greetings with the bride made it seem like they preferred her over Aunty Murja. Some whispered that Aunty Murja probably lacked good character—why else would they behave like that?

Almost all of Yaya Salis’ relatives left after the bride was brought in, including Aunty Murja’s side—except for Bilkisu, who said her husband Hafiz would come pick her up.

Aunty Murja was deeply surprised by Bilkisu. Even if it was her brother getting married, she expected at least a little sensitivity. But Bilkisu had even joined in the outfit preparation, saying, "If Murja won’t participate, we will." Seeing how excited she was around the bride made Aunty Murja emotionally detach from her.

When Hafiz came to pick up Bilkisu, Yaya Salis happened to return home at the same time. Intentionally, Bilkisu escorted him to Murja’s room, just to see what would happen. Standing by the door, she watched him embrace Aunty Murja—both of them broke into tears.

He said, "Be strong, Ummu Sajida. You know who your husband is. I know nothing I say will convince you right now, but trust me, I didn’t do this to hurt you. You are special. You are my paradise." He kissed her forehead gently.

Because Aunty Murja was a truly patient woman, and Yaya Salis meant every word from his heart, Bilkisu scoffed and walked to the bride’s section. She heard one of the bride’s friends saying:

“Na’ima, let’s go. The groom still hasn’t come. Didn’t he say he’d be here by now?”

Bilkisu interrupted, "Where will you see him now? That old hag has locked him in a room and is clinging to him. Aunty Na’ima, I’m leaving. There’s no end to my brother’s drama. He’ll bring you to my house in two days." Na’ima nodded shyly, and Bilkisu left on Hafiz’s motorbike.

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THE NEXT DAY

Early the next morning, Bilkisu noticed a change in Hafiz’s behavior. He was unusually affectionate. After the kids left for school, he turned to her and said:

“Ummu Sayyid, please let’s have an honest talk. Don’t worry—there’s nothing serious. You know I love and cherish you deeply.”

Her heart skipped. She quickly frowned and said:

“Stop with the flattery. Why all this sudden talk?”

He smiled and said:

“Yes, I know. But you see, everything in life is predestined by God. There are things in life we must accept, even if we don’t like them.”

After a pause, Hafiz continued:

“I’ve been meaning to tell you this for some time. There’s a young woman I admire. She’s very quiet and respectful—that’s why I want to marry her. I wouldn’t bring in someone who would destroy our home.”

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