LOVE THE EXPATRIATE
29. Become Santri
In these two months, every weekend for three consecutive days, Edward visited the Pesantren Al-Waqilah to study jurisprudence and monotheism and the laws of Islam. Ustadj Zakaria directly who guided the man was helped also by senior santri.
And now there is something new that is felt by the employees in the office. Every time he arrived at the office, his boss would say hello to them. And when the time comes to prayer zuhr and ashar, the man will join with other Muslim employees who will perform congregational prayers.
Edward had ordered that the rest area be converted into an office musala. It has been three days in the room next to the pantry and the warehouse, three long prayer mats. In the front corner is displayed a small shelf containing several books of the Qur’an. And on the walls of the room are some calligraphy paintings.
Last night Edward called Sarah. Now he knew why the girl and other Muslim women wore hijabs that covered her body and hair.
The man also told him that he already knew how to take ablution and prayer. He also joined the Arabic learning community to read Qur’an and perfect his prayer. But to the girl's happy heart, Edward told her that he had stopped drinking and visited nightclubs.
Many amazing things Edward discovered while learning about Islam. The habits of Muslims who used to be just a question that settles in his mind, he accidentally found himself. Now he knew the difference between clean clothes and holy clothes, halal food and unclean food. Now he knows why his father would rather buy beef and chickens in a Turkish or Pakistani butcher shop than in regular buthcers. Animals that were cut syari turned out to have proven freshness and hygiene.
Now the man has also understood why a lawful marriage according to Islamic law is absolute in determining the lineage. Important in maintaining the purity of the hereditary lineage. It is not just determined by DNA and genetics.
Edward remembered what he had been doing with Mikaila and the other women. If yesterday Mikaila was pregnant, although biologically he was the father of the baby conceived by the woman, but legally Islam until whenever the child was not berbasab himself.
The feathers sat down and the man's hands felt goosebumps imagining all that.
O God, I have wasted the graces and pleasures that You have bestowed on me. Forgive my sins, O Lord. Do not let Your favor which I have wasted become my misfortune in the hereafter. The man begged for mercy on his tongue.
Edward had just finished performing his ashar prayer and was getting ready to go to the boarding school. When there's a phone call on his smartphone. Mikaila called. He wants to raise that call. It had been several times that the man had ignored the woman's calls and messages.
“Halo Mikaila, how are you?” greet Edward.
“My news is good, Ed. Why hasn't there been any news so far?” a voice sounded across.
“Sorry, Mikaila, I've been busy these weeks. There will be a road show event to the region in this month.”
"Is it so busy you don't have time to pick up my phone?"
"Yes. I'm sorry Mikaila." said Edward, putting some books in his backpack.
"Can I help you, Mikaila?"
“Can you come to my apartment, Ed. We're dinner together again?”
“Sorry, Mikaila, now I can no longer go there.”
“Why Ed? Didn't you say that we'd be friends forever. I just want to chat with you.”
“But Mikaila, I'm afraid I can't resist temptation if we're alone in your apartment,”
“Why have you changed now, Ed?”
“Man can change, right?” Edward asked with a laugh.
“Again, this afternoon I have to go to the pesantren. Now every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday I go to the Al-Waqilah School to explore Islam.”
"Nobody said that. That's your mind, Mikaila." Edward tried to defend himself from the woman's accusations.
"I congratulate Edward.”
“Thank you, Mikaila.” said Edward as he grabbed his backpack. He felt bad about disappointing the woman. He suddenly smiled and said with sparkling eyes.
“How about we meet in Pluit area only.”
“Where is it, Ed? Why should it be there?”
“In Jakarta Bay area near Muara Angke Port. Not far from your apartment. There are many restaurants that provide fresh seafood. We'll have dinner there only.” Edward explained.
“All of you went to teach. Because the pesantren was there.”
“Okay, share location, Ed.” And the call across was cut off.
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Half an hour later Edward's car arrived in front of a seafood restaurant. He approached Mikaila who had arrived first. The woman frowned when she saw the man's different appearance. Edward's wearing a pakistani robe and a couple I need a present from Sarah. A black backpack was slung on his shoulder. And that made Mikaila smile, the black sandals that the man was wearing. During his stay, he saw Edward wearing sandals.
"You look like a Turkish prince in this outfit, Ed." - praise Mikaila.
"Thank you, Mikaila." said Edward with a smile. But a moment later he frowned looking at the blackish line under the woman's eyes.
"You look pale, Mikaila. Are you sick?"
"I'm fine, Ed. Maybe just lack of sleep because of frequent overtime."
But still the woman's words did not remove the look of worry on Edward's face.
"I just miss you, Ed." said Mikaila looking at Edward. The man in front of him smiled bitterly.
"But you should know Mikaila, we can't be like we used to. In any belief, what we've been doing all this time is wrong."
"I don't want to repeat that mistake. That's why I want to fix myself. I really hope you find a partner and get married."
Mikaila was silent at Edward's advice.
"Will I introduce you to my bachelor assistant?" ask Edward seriously.
"thank you. But there's no need, Ed." he said.
Seeing that Mikaila was not happy, Edward did not discuss it anymore. The man immediately ordered food because he had to go to the boarding school. Some people looked at them with strange looks. A man with the color I need to meet a woman who only wears a tanktop.
