LOVE THE EXPATRIATE

25. Muhammad Salman Alfarish

A week after a visit to Sarah's parents' house, Edward finally legally became a convert.

He called the girl that he was ready to become a Muslim. So Sarah also advised him to meet one of the ustadj in Jakarta to guide him to make a pledge. But Edward told her that he was in a taxi that took him from Kuala Namu Airport to the outlet. The girl has previously expressed her view that Islam is a flexible religion. It will not be complicated by people who want to become converts.

Confronting a slightly stubborn Edward, Sarah finally advises the man to meet Ustadj Faruk, Imam of the Salman Al-Farisy Mosque. If not hit by afternoon shift, every night Tuesday and Saturday Bada Isya, Sarah followed the study of fiqh and tawhid with him at the mosque. Usually he goes to college with Rais.

Edward arrived at the mosque at 11pm accompanied by Purnomo. They were accepted by Ustadj Faruk. Purnomo conveyed the intention of their arrival that his superior from Jakarta wanted to emigrate to become a convert.

“Subhanallah! So this brother is the boss at his workplace Sarah?” ustadj Faruk exclaimed after Edward told her that the girl suggested he come here.

“He's one of my study pilgrims here. I know him because he was among the pilgrims who actively asked. Thank God, Allah has opened the door of your heart through the girl to emigrate.”

“Ya, Ustadj.” says Edward.

Therefore also the reason I arrived at this place Ustadj, Edward said in his heart.

Finally bada Zuhur, guided by Ustadj Faruk and witnessed by Purnomo and some worshipers, the pledge procession was carried out. All thanked him when Edward finished saying the two sentences of the creed.

“Happy new life, brother.” said Ustadj Faruk smiling as he hugged Edward who was also smiling.

Purnomo also hugged his superior, while some worshippers who also witnessed earlier experienced him.

After legally becoming a Muslim, Edward was officially given a new name. Ustadj Faruk named him after the mosque where the man had pledged to. Mohammed Salman Alfarisy. A conqueror and a hard worker. With that name is expected Edward can be a man who fought hard to defend Islam and in his calm can conquer people who are hostile to his religion.

“This name will be used when the brother is married later, tabled on the name of the nephew later, and called when the brother has died later.” Ustadj Faruk explained his new name when Edward asked him if he should change his identity regarding the new name.

“But for the affairs of state administration and employment, you can still use your real name brother.”

“From now on Brother Salman must learn about Islam, so that you know what is ordered and what is prohibited in Islam.”

Ustadj Faruk taught Edward that as a Muslim, he should perform such acts as prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and other acts of worship. He also told the man that from now on anything he ate and drank must be in a state of holiness. Including the clothes worn.

Because Edward served in Jakarta, Ustadj Faruk connected him with his colleague, Ustadj Zakaria. He is the leader of Al-Waqilah boarding school in Pluit, North Jakarta.

“After returning to Jakarta later, meet Ustadj Zakaria at his boarding school. I will tell him that you will come, He will guide you to learn about Islamic science.”

“Good, Ustadj.” said the man greeted Ustadj Faruk.

Edward and Purnomo finally resigned to resign.

Arriving at the outlet, Edward did not find Sarah, because the girl had gone home a few minutes ago. After the Salman Alfarisy Mosque, they did not go back to the outlet but stopped for lunch at Gatot Subroto. So when they arrive at the outlet, the clock has shown at 15.20 WIB and has been changed sift.

The man looked disappointed that he had not met the girl. Earlier this morning only a glimpse he met and had not had time to say hello. But his heart was slightly comforted as he walked into his room and carried a box the size of a cardboard box of mineral water neatly wrapped in red rose-patterned paper.

“Sorry Sir, I would like to hand over this deposit to you. It was actually Sarah herself who would give it to you. But because he was in a hurry, then he could not wait for you and this parcel was placed on me.”

“What is Mrs. Hesti?” edward asked, frowning at the thing the woman was carrying.

“Sarah said this gift from him for you who have just converted, Mr.”

“Ouh, thank you Mrs. Hesti.” said Edward smiled as he received the parcel. The man was surprised by Sarah's gift.

“Then I come back to the front, Mr.” said Histi pamit.

“Please, Mrs. Hesti.” said Edward nodded.

But a moment later, Nesti, who had walked to the door, turned her body back to Edward.

“Oh yes Sir, congratulations to Mr. Edward who has been guided. I pray that you always get His gift and become a Muslim believer.”

“Thank you for your prayer, Mrs. Hesti.”

After the woman came out, Edward turned to the parcel lying on his desk. It turned out that he was also attentive to me, the man's inner being with a smile.

Edward opened the parcel after he was in the hotel room. It turns out that Sarah gifted him a set of prayer tools. The man took out the contents one by one. First a pakistani ivory color, then successively a fabric holster motif flannel combination of brown and black, olive green prayer mat, as well as a white skullcap and a strand of prayer beads.

Edward also found a package in the box.After he opened the wrapping paper, the man saw two books in it. The first book is titled “Full Prayer Guide” and the other book is titled “Asmaul Husna ; Know the 99 Traits of Allah”. A piece of paper with handwriting was tucked between the two books.

Alhamdulillahot. I congratulate Mr. Faris for being a better person. Barakallah, may these garments and prayer mats accompany in the days of Lord Faris bowing down to Allah.

Site Sarah.

Edward smiled after reading a piece of paper written by Sarah. The man was happy because now Sarah called him Faris, short for Muhammad Salman Alfarisy. He picked up his smartphone and stood by the window, looking out of the hotel room. The city of Medan has been shrouded in twilight so that the lights of buildings and streets have been lit. Likewise with the lights of cars and other vehicles that add to the sparkle of the city.

“Halo, good afternoon. Sarah.” said Edward as soon as the call he made was connected.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Faris. Have you received a gift from me, Mr?” sarah's voice was heard across the street.

“It's already opened. Thank you for the gift, Sarah.”

“Sama-sama, Sir. Oh yes, in that too I included two books. You can read when there is free time.”

“Iya. Hopefully” said.

"Ustadj Faruk connected me with a colleague in Jakarta to study Islam."

"Yes, so Mr. Faris can focus on studying there. Close to your office and apartment. I wish you well, sir."

"Yes. Once again I thank you, Sarah for everything.” he said.

"Together, Mr. Faris. Assallamualaikum."

"Yes, Sarah."

"If anyone says a greeting, then you must answer the law; wa'allaikumsallam" said Sarah again from across.

"Wa'allaikumsallam, Sarah" Edward smiled as he hung up.

Magrib has come to be marked by the humble voice of the adhan from the minarets of mosques throughout the city.