Ariana For Rangga

Enambelas Episode

At eight in the morning, Arin and Yoshie finally arrive at the traditional Kuromon market, located in Osaka.

The market seemed to be crowded with traders and buyers.

The buying and selling process can be seen in almost every kiosk.

Not much different from the market in general.

"In this market sells food ingredients that are still fresh Rin. And the most famous here, is the processed puffer fish."

Yoshie gave an explanation.

"But, as far as Arin knows the pufferfish is poisonous sis."

Arin looked astonished.

"It's true, but the puffer fish presenters in this market are highly trained. Before becoming a convert, I used to enjoy puffer fish in this market, but it is very rare."

Answer Yoshie.

"Sister, can Arin ask you something?"

Arin seemed a little hesitant.

"May, just ask."

Yoshie replied with a smile.

"Before Arin apologized, if Arin's question was a bit personal. Arin just wanted to know how the beginning of his brother interested in Islam, until finally decided to become a convert."

Arin felt very uneasy, and was afraid that the question would offend Yoshie. But unexpectedly, the woman smiled sincerely.

"I'll tell you everything, but not here. Later I will take you to one of the mosques located in downtown Osaka, where it all began. You don't mind, do you?"

Answer Yoshie.

"Of course not, I'm happy. I also wonder how Muslims live in Japan."

Reply Arin steadily.

After finishing the kitchen shopping, Arin and Yoshie rush back to the apartment.

-------

Arin and Yoshie have arrived in downtown Osaka, and are currently at the Osaka mosque.

The mosque building looks solid. There is no dome or symbol of the crescent moon and stars as commonly found in Indonesia, with the dominant colors of green and white also calligraphy in some parts as a marker.

"If Arin wanted to know, this is where I felt called to know and explore Islam. In this mosque too, it was the first time I met Ardan's brother."

Yoshie started the story after they finished performing the congregational prayers.

"In this mosque?"

Ask Arin to make sure.

"really. Five years ago, for the first time in my life. I listened to the sound of Adhan's voice which was very thrilling. Right here in front of this mosque. I was on vacation with my friends. Even then I do not know, if it is a marker of entering prayer time for Muslims.

I only felt a sense of calm, as the melodious voice resonated.

Then I saw some men and women entering this mosque, when I saw the appearance of Muslim women with their veils, I realized. But what I saw made me even more interested."

"Did you decide to pursue Islam since then?"

Ask Arin.

"Still not yet, I didn't even notice it until when I went to the temple to pray. Arin, I was a devout Buddhist before and so was my family. But that day, as I was about to enter the temple somehow suddenly the sound of the Adhan echoed in my ears. My body trembled violently, and suddenly I felt fear. So scared, I didn't even dare to set foot inside the temple. My family was very panicked, and initially thought I was being possessed by an evil spirit.

Suddenly I ran away from the temple and got back in the car. But after that, I'm fine."

"Masyaa Allah.. Sis, Arin believes that is the guidance that God has given to brother. Even from the beginning, when you listen to the sound of Adzan reverberating."

Arin.

"I was really confused with Rin. After arriving home, I was immediately interrogated by my family. They wanted to know what exactly happened to me, why I ran like a mad man in front of a temple."

Tanya Arin looked enthusiastic.

Then Yoshie recounted all the twists and turns of her life journey until she officially embraced Islam and married Ardan after a brief introduction at Osaka Mosque.

"Masyaa Allah.. I'm really amazed by big brother. Even though it was opposed by the family, brother remained steadfast with the decision of brother."

Arin said with reverence.

"Rin, every decision we make, we have to be prepared for the risks. Although until now my family is still hostile to me, but my prayers never break for them. I hope God will open the door of their hearts and take me back."

"Don't you feel vengeful, or hate for your sister's family?"

Ask Arin.

"I have no reason to hate them Rin. I'm sure they don't hate me either. They were just very disappointed, because I chose a path that went against them. That'sthat's all. After all, they are my family. Especially mommy and daddy. Is it not in Islam that we are also taught to be devoted to both parents?"

"Sister must have missed my sister's parents a lot huh.."

"Very much miss Rin. Every time, I pray for them. I accept with sincerity all that happens, because I am confident in God's promise.

I hope I never get rid of Rin. If God gives me heaven, I want mommy and daddy in it too."

Arin rubbed Yoshie's shoulder, to give her some calm.

"God willing, brother, may Allah incite the prayers of the brethren.

God never ignores the prayers of his beloved servant. If not now, God will give us our prayers. If we don't get what we want, God will replace it with a better one. Most importantly we remain confident, and believe in the power of God."

"Aamiya.. Inshaa Allah Rin."

While Arin and Yoshie were still talking, a woman approached them.

"Assalamualaikum, Yoshie."

"Goddessalam.."

Yoshie answered who then embraced the woman.

For a moment Yoshie chatted with the woman, then introduced Arin to her, and vice versa.

"Arin, this is Sakura's sister. She was the one who helped me a lot in my most difficult times.

Oh, saki-chan, arindesu. Watashi no gikei wa Indoneshia shusshindesu."

(Sakura's sister, this is Arin. She's my sister-in-law from Indonesia)

"Assalamualaikum Arin's.."

Sakura extended her hand while smiling at Arin.

"Waalaikumsalam Sakura's.."

Replied Arin who was also smiling as she shook Sakura's hand and hugged her.

"It looks like it's almost time, let's go inside."

Yoshie said to Arin.

"What time, brother? Didn't we just finish the dzuhur prayer?"

Ask Arin not understand.

"Sorry, I forgot to tell you. Usually every week after the dzuhur in this mosque held a gathering. The goal is to maintain friendship between fellow Muslims. Thankfully, the longer Islam in Japan grows. Not a few people who get guidance, and finally decided to explore Islam."

"Oh, Arin understands. If in Indonesia, such associations are usually called studies. Arin was so impatient, wanting to know more about the development of Islam in this country."

Arin said enthusiastically.

"You'll see it soon."

Yoshie replied with a smile.