My husband is actually quite gentle – Hafsat Al-Mustapha

Weekly Trust: How would you describe your husband away from the public eye?
Hafsat Al-Mustapha: He is far from what people think of him. He is the kindest man I can ever imagine. I enjoy his company a lot and we’re virtually like twins. He looks for me as soon as he gets home and the family gathers to eat and talk about how our days went until it is time to go bed.
WT: How does he unwind?
Al-Mustapha: He loves to relax and to do so he plays all sorts of sports, especially tennis and occasionally football. But he enjoys other things, such as visiting the sick, graveyards to pray for the dead and he also gives assistance to the needy in his own little way. He also enjoys watching Discovery Channel and other educative Islamic programmes on TV.
WT: What would you say is the fun part of him that many don’t know?
Al-Mustapha: It’s got to be his sense of humour. Hamza has such a great one that leaves nobody out. Both the young and the old can never have a dull moment with him. He knows how to crack your ribs.
He also has top-notch social skills. He blends well with people of all tribes and always has at hand a joke or a greeting in the language of the people or person he is speaking to.
WT: What about him did any of your children take after?
Al-Mustapha: Both of our children have his generosity and honesty. They are as generous as their dad. That’s in addition to their own inherent nature of not wanting to disappoint their parents or loved ones. Their dad corrects them lovingly.
For me, being his wife has taught me a lot about life. So much so that I think I can be a lecturer in that field.
WT: What are his philosophies about life?
Al-Mustapha: His philosophies are always centred on principles such as honesty, patience and the understanding that people are created differently. Therefore it is best to go about life with that in mind, to be able to co-exist with people peacefully.
WT: What is the best advice he has given you?
Al-Mustapha: He always tells me to be patient.
WT: If he had to relive a day in his life, which do you think it would it be?
Al-Mustapha: I would definitely say our wedding day.
WT: What kind of books or TV programmes does he watch?
Al-Mustapha: He watches Discovery Channel and Islamic channels, like I mentioned earlier. He does not read fiction at all. He prefers the Holy Qur’an and other religious books.
WT: Is he a soldier at home as well?
Al-Mustapha: He is very much not a soldier at home. He’s quite gentle but firm with everyone.
WT: What misconception about him would you like to set straight?
Al-Mustapha: A lot of people do not – and most refuse to – understand him. One cannot judge from afar what one does not comprehend. I would like to advise attempting to familiarize one’s self with him on a personal level, before misconceptions are thrown around.