SUKMA: The Deal With the Devil

Meniti Straight Path

"Come, Deck. Let's repeat it again. A'uzubillahiminasyshyaitonirrojiim."

"Mother, can you not use ta'awuz or basmalah first?"

"Dek, ta'awuz and basmalah are the beginning to read the Qur'an. Ta'awuz to protect ourselves from the devil when we want to read the Qur'an, while basmalah to start each recitation of the Qur'an."

"But I can't just, why, huh? My throat feels dry. It's hard, though."

"Yes, tomorrow-tomorrow every want to memorize the Qur'an, drink a lot first so that the throat is not dry."

"Yes, Mom. If my tongue is suddenly confused, how?"

"That's because you're not used to memorizing short letters. You can do it later, too."

"But I learned from childhood, until now it was very difficult to memorize."

Mom was pensive for a moment. If you remember again, Sukma is different from other children. Usually children aged around three or four years, easier to memorize by listening and imitating. However, Sukma always found it difficult to imitate the reading of a short letter from his family, despite repeated attempts. His determination to learn was also not enough. His very hard efforts are still lacking.

Finally, Bu Inah did not want to force Sukma to memorize. Her daughter's sluggish condition, made her worry that it would get worse. Bu Inah told Sukma to go to sleep again, then finish reading the Qur'an.

"Tomorrow we'll try again, yeah."

"Yes, Mom."

Sukma closed his eyes, while Bu Inah went to the kitchen to prepare dinner. Bu Inah was still thinking about Sukma in his mind. When passing through the middle room, Mr. Risman called out to him with a curious face.

"Mom, what's wrong? How do you dream that?"

"Mom doesn't know the same as Dedek. He learned to memorize the Qur'an, but couldn't just."

"Try teaching him how to read the Qur'an. Dedek can read and write hijaiyah, right?"

"Come, Sir. Dedek is good at reading and writing hijaiyah letters, even pass iqro easily. But to memorize the Qur'an, it looks like he really has a hard time, sir."

"Yes, then, I'm patient. Maybe the Sukma Deck ability is that. Don't give up on teaching him, yeah."

Mom nodded, then went to the kitchen. Meanwhile, Sukma, who was fast asleep, began to fidget. Cold sweat slid from his forehead. His mouth was trembling, his breathing was wheezing. In his eyes he saw the figure of the old woman who came to him this morning.

The old woman grinned at Sukma, giving the six-year-old a fright. In his dream, Sukma had trouble getting up. His body was being held by a huge rock.

"Hahaha .. You will never be able to memorize a verse from the scriptures, son," said the old woman, followed by her shrill laughter.

"T-no! I-I'm sure I'll b-can if .. k-if I try!" elak Sukma stammered. The fear that had invaded his inner being, made his lips difficult to speak.

"That will never work, Little Boy. You're a son of the devil, not a son of man hahaha ...."

"I'm a father and mother! Not the devil's son!" bentak Sukma did not accept.

"You lied! You liar! I wouldn't believe an ugly granny like you!"

Not yet had the old woman slapped him, Sukma had woken up first when his body was swayed by Mr. Risman. The girl got up, then got up. He stared at the father long enough, his tears welled up to fall down his cheeks.

"Mr!" sukma said while whining and hugging her father. Her tears just spilled when she felt relieved that someone had accompanied her.

"What's up, Dek? How come you've been so restless just sleeping?" asked Mr. Risman, stroking Sukma's head.

"I .. I just met an ugly granny, sir. I was so scared," explained Sukma releasing his embrace.

"Eat him, before going to bed read the prayer first, so as not to be disturbed by grandmothers," said Mr. Risman.

"But I can't, sir. Then, the grandmother also said that I would never be able to memorize scripture verses because I am not the son of Mother and Father, but the son of Satan."

Shocked Mr. Risman heard his daughter's speech. He wondered how the old woman in Sukma's dream could tell that her youngest daughter was not his biological child. However, the middle-aged man immediately threw the question away. Dreams are just sleeping flowers. It's not good if real life is affected by dreams.

"Grandmothers in your dream are just annoying demons, so say the same with Dedek. The patient, yes, if the problem of memorizing prayers and short letters, you will help."

"But if I can't, how?"

"Humans will never be able if they are reluctant to learn and try. Rest assured to yourself, God will facilitate Dedek's efforts. Don't give up! The devil prefers the same child who is easily discouraged. Dedek would, if the grannies came again?"

Sukma shook his head quickly while shuddering. "No way, sir. His face is nyeremin. Not to mention that he was talking, his mouth stinks!"

Mr. Risman rubbed Sukma's head with a knotty smile. "Tomorrow Dedek learned again, yes. Insha Allah, after recovery, you will easily memorize the prayers and short letters of the Qur'an."

Sukma hugged his father again. He was so grateful to have a good father like Mr. Risman. Not to forget, Bu Inah who patiently teaches in his spare time, is the most beautiful gift for Sukma.

Meanwhile, peace in Mr. Risman's family, apparently has not approached Hilman. Farah who is fussy, not usually touch back the mucena after a long time not praying. When Azan Isya reverberated, he immediately berwudu, then held a prayer mat facing the qibla. Hilman was astonished by his wife's attitude.

"Tumben wants to pray," Hilman quipped.

"I-I also want to learn prayer and read the Qur'an again, Pa," replied Farah stammering, wearing a mukena.

"Good, deh, then. I also want to pray, all of you believe in you." Hilman folded his trousers below the knees, then rushed to the bathroom.

"Really, Pa? Then, Papa salat."

Hilman was stunned, then turned his head and frowned. "Did, why is that?"

"At least in this house there is one person who can teach religious knowledge to Albi. 'And if Papa is diligent in prayer and teaching, I will remain focused on the foundation while huddling with socialite mothers. Albi also does not need to go to the mosque and hang out with poor children outside there," said Farah with a cramped face.

"Astagfireullah! So, just because you don't want Albi to study religion outside, you want to pray, do you?"

"Why indeed? Trouble?"