First Drop of Vienna Water Wudhu

Decision Go

In a simple but full of religious books, Vienna sits on a soft carpet with a deep look. A thread of tears slowly flowed down her pale cheeks. Since morning, he had been brooding about his seemingly empty destiny. Even though he had lived a luxurious life, there was a void in his heart that could not be explained.

Vienna knew that Islam was an important part of its identity, even though it only existed in its ID cards as a formal label. His parents were wealthy businessmen who rarely talked about religion. They are more often involved in business than in religious practice. The scenery around their house reflects this busyness, with beautiful but often empty gardens, withered trees, and leaves that simply fall off without ever being taken care of.

But this morning, something different slipped into Vienna's mind. The ablution water he felt first a while ago invited him to search deeper. He felt that there was a voice calling out to him, even though he did not fully understand it yet.

With a pounding heart, Vienna decided that she had to do something to deepen her religion. He felt he needed more spiritual knowledge and experience. The famous pesantren in the area was a place he often heard people talk about, and he felt this was an opportunity to deepen his understanding of the religion of Islam.

After deep contemplation, Vienna finally made the decision to go to the pesantren. He knew this would be a big step in his life, and his heart was pounding when he announced his decision to his parents.

"Mom, Dad," Vienna began hesitantly, sitting in a luxurious living room. His parents, who were busy with their laptops and business files, turned their heads in wonder.

"What do you want to say, Vienna?" asked his mother, put down the laptop.

Vienna gulps. "I want to go to the pesantren to study religion more deeply."

The atmosphere of the room instantly became tense. His father, who was usually calm, looked at him thoughtfully. "Pesantren? Why do you suddenly want to go there?"

Vienna felt like she had to explain the emptiness in her heart, her desire to draw closer to God, and her unstoppable curiosity about her religion. "I feel like I need more knowledge about Islam, Dad, Mom. I felt like something was missing in my life, and I wanted to find the answer."

Viennese mother looked surprised, while her father sighed softly. "This is a big step, Vienna. You know that, right? Pesantren is no ordinary place, it is a serious commitment."

Vienna nodded, eyes full of determination. "I know, Dad. But I'm sure this is the right move for me."

The Viennese mother finally gave a small smile, although her face was still full of confusion. "In that case, we will support you, Vienna. But you have to mean it on this journey."

A feeling of relief flashed in Vienna's heart. He felt he had taken the first step toward a deeper understanding of religion and the meaning of his life. Going to pesantren is not an easy choice, but Vienna knows that this is the right step in its spiritual journey.

After a long journey by train, Vienna arrived at the pesantren located in a quiet and peaceful countryside. Fresh air thick with the green aroma of leaves and wildflowers welcomed his arrival. He took a deep breath and felt that this was the right place to pursue a deeper understanding of his religion.

At the gate of the pesantren, Vienna was greeted by an old ustaz who had a warm and friendly smile. The Ustaz looked at him with eyes full of knowledge and wisdom. He greeted Vienna, "Welcome, Vienna. I am Ustaz Ahmad, and I will be your mentor and guide while here."

Vienna gave a polite smile in response, "Thank you, Ustaz Ahmad. I'm very excited to study at this boarding school."

Ustaz Ahmad then took Vienna on a walk through the pesantren. They crossed the green courtyard with shady trees and blooming flowers. The sounds of birds singing and the breeze adorning the air. Vienna felt as if she had arrived at a small paradise on earth.

"We emphasize the simple life and closeness to nature here" explained Ustaz Ahmad. "This is a quiet place, where we can contemplate and draw closer to God through His creation."

Vienna felt his heart more and more at peace with the scenery and atmosphere. He felt that this pesantren was the right place to reflect on religion and go on his spiritual journey.

Ustaz Ahmad then sat down in front of Vienna and looked at him gently. "Vienna, the spiritual journey is about getting closer to God and seeking true meaning in worship. We are here to guide you, but this journey is your own. You must open your heart and soul to this teaching."

Vienna nodded with great respect. "I'm ready, Ustaz. I want to understand religion more deeply and draw closer to God."

Ustaz Ahmad smiled, "Alright, Vienna. We'll start with the basics. First, let's talk about prayer. Prayer is a personal relationship between us and God. This is the time when we talk to Him, express our feelings, and beg for His guidance."

They spend hours talking about prayer, movements, prayers, and the meaning behind them. Vienna listened attentively, noting every word Ustaz Ahmad spoke. He felt very fortunate to have a wise mentor like Ustaz Ahmad to guide him on this spiritual journey.

After a deep conversation, Ustaz Ahmad concluded with thoughtful words, "Remember, Vienna, this journey is about drawing closer to Allah sincerely. Never lose your humility and gratitude."

Vienna feels inspired and ready to face the challenges that will come in its spiritual journey at this pesantren. With a sincere smile, he replied, "Thank you, Ustaz Ahmad. I promise I'll try my best."

As the sun slowly sank in the western horizon, Vienna pondered inside her room. The peaceful atmosphere of nature and the messages of Ustaz Ahmad have made him even more convinced that he has made the right choice by coming to this pesantren. With gratitude in his heart, he felt that his spiritual journey had begun, and he was ready to go further towards God.

A bright morning shone on the pesantren, and Vienna sat tensely inside a simple little hall. Ustaz Ahmad stood in front of him, holding a piece of paper with beautiful Arabic writing. The serene and peaceful atmosphere in the pesantren enveloped the room, and the fragrance of incense refreshed the air.

Ustaz Ahmad started the lesson with a gentle smile. "Today we will begin with the basics of prayer, Vienna. Prayer is one of the important pillars in Islam, and we will understand it well."

Vienna listened attentively, her hands recording every word Ustaz Ahmad spoke. He was delighted to get the opportunity to learn directly from an experienced teacher.

Ustaz Ahmad begins by explaining about prayer times, the importance of time in worship, and how prayer is a way to remember Allah. He then outlines the physical steps to be followed in prayer, such as standing, kneeling, prostrating, and sitting between prostrations. Ustaz Ahmad showed these movements carefully, paying attention to every detail.

"As we carry out this movement, Vienna, we must focus and reflect on God" Ustaz Ahmad said in a soft voice. "Salat is when we speak to Him, and we must do it with a sincere heart."

Vienna tried to imitate the movements taught by Ustaz Ahmad. Every move was well explained, and he felt the need to understand and master it perfectly. Ustaz Ahmad patiently guided him, improving the position of his hands and feet when necessary.

Then, Ustaz Ahmad explained about the prayers that are read in every prayer rakaat. He gave a translation of his prayers, so that Vienna could understand the meaning contained in them. Ustaz Ahmad reminded Vienna that prayer is not just a physical movement, but also an inner conversation with God.

Vienna felt inspired by this lesson. He felt like he was entering a new world filled with meaning and depth. Prayer is no longer just a formal routine, but a means to draw closer to God with awareness.

As the lessons continued, Vienna began to feel that she was increasingly connected to every movement and prayer in prayer. He felt deeper in his worship, and his heart was open to receive the wisdom and love of God.

When the lesson ended, Vienna thanked Ustaz Ahmad sincerely. "Thank you, Ustaz Ahmad. This lesson is very valuable to me. I feel closer to God now."

Ustaz Ahmad smiled with satisfaction. "That's the purpose of all this, Vienna. Remember, the spiritual journey is about drawing closer to God with sincerity. Keep learning and practicing diligently."

The moment Vienna left the hall, she felt excited and full of spirit. His first lesson in pesantren has opened the door to a deeper understanding of prayer and worship. With a more steady pace, he felt ready to continue his spiritual journey and draw closer to God more than ever.