sentences:  He departed for the Sahara in January 1071, and after the legal period of 3 months' separation had ended, Zaynab duly married Yusuf in May of that year.In 1072, Abu Bakr signalled his intention to return from the Sahara to take up his former position.Yusuf was understandably reluctant to yield, but did not know how to keep his position without triggering an internecine war with Abu Bakr.