It's up to God

Serving in Pondok Pesantren Al Fathonah

Hafiz, with light steps and a heart full of joy, stepped back to the boarding house that had become a place that meant so much to him. Each of his steps felt full of meaning, as he realized that his life journey had brought him to this point.

In the course of his life, Hafiz has experienced many challenges and obstacles. However, he never gave up and continued to strive to achieve the goals laid before him. He faced test after test, learned from valuable experiences, and grew into a stronger and wiser person.

Hafiz arrived at the Al Fathonah boarding school with a feeling of excitement and pleasure. Upon arrival, he was greeted with great joy by everyone. Teachers and other students gathered in front of the cottage to welcome him. They greeted me kindly while smiling and shaking hands with Hafiz.

"Welcome back, Ustad Hafiz!"

Hafiz felt strange with the 'ustad' call that had just been pinned for him. He was in Cairo, teaching children to teach and share other religious knowledge. However, he did not feel he deserved the title.

"Well, it suddenly became oustad, the title," said Hafiz, trying to make the atmosphere so as not to be too stiff.

Everyone laughed at Hafiz's response.

Hafiz was looking for someone around him. There may be someone expected to be present at the venue. His gaze moved from left to right, looking around for familiar faces or people he might be looking for.

After a while of searching, Hafiz finally found the person. He waved his hand and smiled widely. "Hi, I guess you guys aren't here anymore because you're married." Hafiz greets Candra and Faiz who are Hafiz's best friends since he lives in this boarding school.

They hugged, missed. Although Candra and Faiz are married, they choose to continue to serve in the boarding house owned by Hafiz's grandfather, even their wives also participate in helping Nadira (Hafiz's Mother) for kitchen affairs, such as cooking, side dish shopping, and others.

With a smile, Hafiz asked him kindly, "You guys how are you?"

Candra and Faiz answered simultaneously, "Alhamdulillah, fine."

"Oh yes, before asking, we would like to say that Kiai Lutfi, Ustad Ammar, Ustazah Aisyah, and Ustazah Nadira are waiting inside." Candra.

"Alhamdulillah. Thank goodness that you are doing well" Hafiz said with a sigh of relief. "Emm, jazakallah khiran, Candra. You know I want to ask them." Hafiz smiled by showing his teeth are very neat and white. Everyone dreams of having teeth like that.

The three of them walked towards the empty table around there, joined up with the other friends, and started chatting merrily. The atmosphere became more relaxed and friendly after the interaction and everyone enjoyed the moment of Hafiz's return after finishing his S2 education with laughter and excitement.

Some santri took the initiative to help carry Hafiz's luggage and guide him to his residence. They showed great care and concern for the arrival of Hafiz back to the boarding house Al Fathonah.

Upon entering the cottage, Hafiz was greeted by his family and the caretakers. They warmly welcome back to Hafiz with pride and happiness because of the achievements that Hafiz has achieved during his S2 education.

Hafiz first approached her mother, Nadira, a woman who always provided inspiration for everyone. The woman hugged Hafiz very tightly.

In the atmosphere of the day, Hafiz made the atmosphere more crowded. "Ma. Could be times, yeah, not too tight. Hafiz can't breathe, no."

Smiles and laughter rang out from all directions.

Nadira knitted his eyebrows at the sight of his eldest son, Hafiz, who was already growing up. Even though he was smiling looking at the development of his son, behind that smile, there were worries that haunted his mind. Hafiz's friends are married and Nadira cannot imagine that one day Hafiz will marry a girl who is destined to be her life partner.

However, Nadira tried to put aside her worries and focus on the happy moment of the moment. Hafiz shook hands and hugged his father, grandmother, and grandfather. The moment of togetherness warmed Nadira's heart and she tried to enjoy every second of it.

Then, when it was his turn to sungkeman with the grandfather, Hafiz got a fairly deep banquet. Grandfather gave advice on the journey of life and reminded Hafiz of the ultimate destination that is more important than just life in this world.

"Listen, Hafiz. In this journey of life, let us not forget that there is nothing more important than increasing the provision to lead to life after death. Kindness, charity, and piety are the main capital we must collect. Don't get too fixated on the temporary life of the world" said the grandfather with wisdom.

Hafiz listened carefully to the grandfather's message, pondered on the deep words and considered their meaning. He felt touched by his grandfather's warning, which showed the importance of focusing on things that are eternal and eternal.

"I'll remember this, Grandpa. I promise to supplement my life with kindness and piety, making them a top priority in my life" Hafiz said with determination.

Lutfi smiled proudly, seeing the sincerity and determination in her grandson's words. He gave Hafiz a warm hug before they continued the celebration with the family at the Al Fathonah boarding school.

Nadira observes the interaction with Haru. Though concerns about Hafiz's future still remain, she is relieved to see her son receive valuable advice from her grandfather. He hoped that Hafiz would live his life wisely and take wisdom from every experience he encountered.

Hafiz felt moved and grateful for the welcome given by everyone. He was happy and excited to start his service activities at the Al Fathonah boarding school. Hafiz knew that in this place he would always have the opportunity to grow and develop as a good Muslim.

With a burning spirit, Hafiz is preparing to live his new life in the boarding house of Al Fathonah and is ready to pursue his dreams and goals in the religious field.

Now, in a beloved boarding school, Hafiz feels himself to have a great responsibility. He wanted to share his love and wisdom with his grandfather, Lutfi, and his father, Ammar. They are people who have provided support and inspiration in the course of their lives. Together, they are committed to continue the long journey of building this boarding school.

Pondok pesantren is not only a physical building, but also a place that illuminates their hearts and souls. It was a place filled with warmth, tranquility, and wisdom. Hafiz and his family want to make it a place that can provide enlightenment for anyone who comes looking for calm and wisdom.

They want to build an inclusive and respectful environment where everyone can grow and learn together. They dream of giving birth to a generation full of compassion, knowledge, and understanding of religious values and a good life.

With a sincere spirit, Hafiz, his grandfather, and his father collaborated in their efforts. They work hard to design quality educational programs, develop a holistic curriculum, and create an environment that supports spiritual and intellectual growth.

Day by day, this boarding school is growing and becoming a center of activities that benefit the surrounding community. All who come seeking tranquility and wisdom there feel the warmth and illumination emanating from the hearts and souls of Hafiz, his grandfather, and his father.

Hafiz is honored and grateful for the journey of his life that brought him to this point. He feels very happy to be able to share his love and wisdom with his loved ones, as well as with anyone who needs it.

In the course of her life, Hafiz has learned that every challenge is an opportunity to grow and inspire others. He hopes to continue to provide light and tranquility to all who come to this boarding school, so that they can also find their way to a meaningful and loving life.

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