FreeFreeDescription
A BAR WA RAI" (Leave It to the Soul/Leave It to Fate).
Summary
The story begins with a philosophical reflection on the state of the world, describing it as a place of chaos, greed, and moral decay, where people have abandoned their faith for worldly gains. It introduces Alhaji Aminu, a wealthy, handsome, yet morally bankrupt man who is obsessed with achieving fame and power at any cost.
Aminu seeks the help of Lauje, a dark, occultic figure who possesses an object called a "Dodon Kodi" (a powerful, malevolent spirit/talisman). To gain the power and status he desires, Aminu enters into a horrific pact with Lauje and a female demon named Zubaina. The terms of this pact are gruesome: he must offer the blood of "impure" women and commit unspeakable acts, including the abduction and abuse of a four-year-old girl named Safiyya. The story culminates in Aminu kidnapping innocent little Safiyya, leaving her mother, Lubabatu, and father, Bello, in absolute despair.
2. Translation (Key Excerpt)
The provided text is quite long, so here is a translation of the pivotal moment when the pact is sealed:
"Lauje burst into a laugh that sounded like a donkey’s bray before he took the box and opened it with a small key. Inside was a large 'Dodon Kodi'—you wouldn't need to be told it was a path to evil... Lauje pushed the box to Alhaji Aminu so he would be sure what was inside. As soon as his eyes looked, he stumbled back in fear... The room was filled with smoke as if a fire had been lit.
...[Zubaina the demon appears]... 'Your wife and you, the Dodon Kodi has accepted your conditions and orders.' ... [Zubaina later dictates the requirement]: 'Alhaji Aminu must commit an act of defilement on a girl between the ages of four and five; that will be the key to his fame.'"
3. Story Description & Analytics
- Genre: Dark Occult Fiction / Social Drama.
- Themes:
- Moral Decay: The author laments the loss of trust (Amana), faith (Imani), and kinship in contemporary society.
- Greed & Ambition: Aminu represents the extremes of "get rich or famous at any cost," highlighting the dangers of unchecked desire.
- Good vs. Evil: The stark contrast between the innocent (Safiyya) and the malevolent (Lauje, Zubaina, and the compromised Aminu).
- Narrative Style: The author uses a "Shimfida" (preamble) style, common in Hausa literature, to frame the story as a moral warning. The narrative voice is highly critical of society, using evocative language to describe the "four corners of the world" and the spiritual emptiness of humanity.
Literary Device: The author uses the "Dodon Kodi" as a metaphor for the dark paths individuals take when they prioritize worldly success over their soul and morality. The title A Bar Wa Rai ("Leave it to the soul") suggests a resignation to fate—or perhaps a commentary on the burden the soul carries when secrets are hidden.
4. Critical Commentary
The writing style is emotive and serves a cautionary purpose. By focusing on the kidnapping of a child, the author aims to trigger an immediate emotional response from the reader regarding the "sadness and cruelty" of the current age. The text emphasizes that the problems of the world are not just systemic but stem from the internal corruption of individuals, starting from within the home.
