• Historic Birth: Halima Cissé gave birth to the world’s first surviving nonuplets—five girls and four boys—on May 4, 2021, in Morocco.
• Rare Glimpse: The parents recently shared rare, heartwarming photos of the children’s growth, celebrating their fourth birthday in grand style.
• Family’s Journey: Despite challenges, the Malian couple expresses deep gratitude, raising their nine miracles with love, strength, and community support.

The world watched in awe when, on May 4, 2021, a Malian couple welcomed not one, not two, but nine tiny babies into the world. Now, four years later, Halima Cissé and Abdelkader Arby have shared a heartwarming collection of photos capturing the remarkable journey of their nonuplets — a story that continues to inspire wonder, disbelief, and admiration across the globe.

A Family Like No Other

Nine children born at once. It sounds like something out of a medical drama or a sci-fi script. But for Halima and Abdelkader, it’s real life — filled with chaos, love, sleepless nights, and countless tiny footsteps. The proud parents recently posted a series of rare and intimate images on Instagram, giving followers a peek into their extraordinary world nearly two months after the children’s fourth birthday.

The nonuplets — five girls and four boys — are believed to be the first full set to survive infancy, a feat that earned the family global headlines and a Guinness World Record in 2021. The babies were born prematurely at just 30 weeks via C-section in a high-risk delivery that took place in Casablanca, Morocco. At the time, their survival was anything but certain. Each newborn weighed between 1.1 and 2.2 pounds, their lives hanging delicately in the balance during those first few fragile days.

A Glimpse of the Past and Present

Among the photos shared were early images of the newborns tucked in neonatal incubators, their miniature bodies barely visible under blankets and tubes. One particularly touching image showed Halima during her extraordinary pregnancy, glowing and strong, her face etched with determination and quiet strength.

Now, four years later, the children — Kadidia, Fatouma, Hawa, Adama, Oumou, Mohammed VI, Oumar, Elhadji, and Bah — are thriving. In several of the more recent snapshots, the siblings beam in coordinated outfits, their personalities shining through. In one standout photo, one of the boys proudly holds up the Guinness World Record plaque, flanked by his eight siblings and both smiling parents. It’s a simple yet powerful image that speaks volumes about perseverance and the incredible strength of family.

One child noticeably missing from the group shots is Souda, the couple’s eldest daughter, who is now six. Though absent from the frame, the family affectionately calls her the “big sister” of the bunch — a role that’s taken on extra meaning in such a unique household.

“Unforgettable Memories” and Growing Challenges

“A miracle of life, incredible strength, immense love,” the couple wrote in their caption. The message, translated from French, expressed their deep gratitude for the support they’ve received since the beginning of their astonishing journey. They thanked everyone who’s been by their side — from doctors and nurses to family members and well-wishers around the world.

But beyond the smiling photos and joyful messages lies the reality of raising nine children the same age, all under one roof. The logistics alone are mind-boggling — from meals and naps to clothes and education. And yet, Halima and Abdelkader have never wavered in their commitment to give each child as normal and nurturing a childhood as possible.

Despite the constant demands, the couple describes these past four years as filled with “unforgettable memories” and life lessons. “Every day brings a new adventure,” Abdelkader once shared in an interview. “We learn and grow with them.”

A Celebration Fit for a Star

When the nonuplets turned four in May 2025, their parents decided to mark the occasion with all the flair of a red-carpet event. “We decided to celebrate in a grandiose way, as a celebrity would!” Halima told Guinness World Records. And why not? These children aren’t just a medical marvel — they’re living symbols of hope and resilience.

The birthday party reportedly included colorful balloons, music, and cakes big enough to feed a small army. Friends, family, and community members gathered to celebrate, while well-wishers from across the globe sent their love through social media. The family’s Instagram page lit up with comments like “Absolutely beautiful children,” “What a blessing!” and “May God continue to protect them.”

Public Reactions: Awe, Curiosity, and Support

The public response to the nonuplets’ story has been nothing short of overwhelming. While some followers marvel at the medical miracle, others express admiration for the parents’ strength, patience, and deep faith. Social media platforms lit up with birthday wishes when the images were shared. Strangers from every corner of the world chimed in to offer prayers and support.

Still, some reactions have raised eyebrows. Critics online have questioned how such a large family could possibly be cared for without immense outside help. Others have expressed concern over the financial and emotional strain of raising nine same-age children.

Halima and Abdelkader have always acknowledged the challenges — but they’ve also made it clear that the love in their home is more than enough. The couple receives assistance from the Malian government and private donors, but they say what truly sustains them is unity, faith, and community.

What’s Next for the World’s Most Famous Siblings?

As the nonuplets grow older, their journey is far from over. With school, healthcare, emotional development, and social needs now in full swing, the family faces a new set of hurdles — but also new joys.

Halima and Abdelkader are already thinking about how to navigate the next few years, especially when it comes to education. They’ve hinted at the idea of creating a specialized program or hiring tutors to ensure each child gets the attention they need. “We want them to thrive — not just survive,” Halima said in a recent conversation with a French media outlet.

And it’s not just their parents who are dreaming big. At just four years old, the nonuplets are already developing distinct personalities. One wants to be a doctor, another a teacher. One loves dancing, another spends hours with building blocks. Each child, though part of an unprecedented story, is also their own individual — with unique dreams, quirks, and talents.