It has been a while since the last time I read a Malay novel or even a cerpen. This one was forwarded by Kak Hana to the alumni mailing list so I just downloaded it. When I saw who the author was, it got my attention. I knew Fatimah Syarha from my matriculation days and she is one dedicated muslimah. Though we differ in the organization we belong to, from her writing I know our fikrah is the same. Another short story written by her titled ‘Khazinatul Asrar’ is also a good and inspiring read for those in dakwah. It tells of an Islamic kind of love…hehe.
Well, this one also had me on an emotional rollercoaster. I could relate to it a lot. The story’s setting and approach has much similarity with my world, the Sekolah Islam Malaysia-makcik pakcik-dakwah world. It is the protected and sheltered biah at school and at home, which is followed by the nearly absolute freedom at university or IPT.
The scenario narrated in the story is not unique. It is a common phenomenon in the dakwah world today. Many da’ies whom were once the hope of the school or active in dakwah, find it hard to remain istiqamah with their principles when they go out from their shelter. There are many distractions and godaans in the real world. I do not exclude myself from this situation. There were many a time when I was futur, but alhamdulillah Allah has placed me in an institution where the biah is still terjaga and I still walk this path of those that seek His pleasure, alhamdulillah. “Ya Muqallibal qulub thabbit qulubana ‘ala dinika, Ya Musarrifal qulub, sarrif qulubana ala ta’atik”.
As I read the short story, my heart went out to Umar (because he was handsome, hehe). He wasn’t strong enough to resist the persistent temptation of the girl. I guess it was partly because he was slowing down from his smart group a.k.a usrah activities which are a source of strength for the volatile IMAN. I shan’t spoil the ending for those who haven’t read it. Bacelah… best.
“But it is possible that you may dislike athing which is good for you and that you love a thing which is bad for you. But God knoweth, and you know not”
(al-Baqarah: 216)
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