The morning at Al-Hikmah Islamic Boarding School was vibrant and charged with an exhilarating energy that felt markedly different from the usual calmness of dawn. There was an unmistakable buzz in the air, likely stemming from the significant event that was about to unfold. Just after the dawn prayer concluded, the head of the boarding school, in a voice that resonated powerfully throughout the mosque's loudspeakers, announced an important message that rang with pride and significance. "Congratulations! Aira, a dedicated 11th-grade science student, has been selected as the provincial-level Widyaiswara student! She will step up to represent our esteemed boarding school at the national training and stands out as an exemplary student who passionately mentors her younger peers. May she serve with excellence and commitment!"
The echo of his words was met with an eruption of cheers that burst forth from the courtyard, celebrating this remarkable achievement. The communal spirit of joy intensified as the boarding school flag flew proudly in the gentle morning breeze, a visual emblem of the school's spirit. As Aira stood on stage absorbing this moment, her cheeks flushed with a delightful mix of nervousness and pride, her neat hijab framing her face, accentuating the weight of this honor upon her young shoulders.
In an instant, her friend Zahra rushed forward, jumping to embrace her with uncontainable enthusiasm. "Aira! Wow, so you've become a Widyaiswara's student? You are like a mini teacher for all of us now! How do you feel about this incredible news?"
Aira responded with a shy, yet joyous laughter that danced in her eyes, showcasing her elation. "Za, don't put me on a pedestal. This is a heavy responsibility and a significant trust. Just yesterday, I happened to win the calligraphy and hadith memorization competition at the provincial level, but now I have the daunting task of mentoring my juniors, developing extra teaching materials, and representing the boarding school at the national level. It's honestly a bit nerve-wracking!"
Nisa, equally caught up in the excitement of Aira's news, nudged Lina playfully. "Look! Aira is now officially our mentor. She mentioned she would conduct a special 'Great Students' class every Saturday night. We should be the first to sign up!" In unison, Salsabila and Salsabi nodded in delighted agreement, their faces lighting up with eagerness. "Absolutely! sister Aira will definitely teach us clever techniques for quick memorization and advanced calligraphy skills. We absolutely want to be a part of this!"
Meanwhile, within the confines of the headmaster's office, a warm welcome for Aira awaited from Ustadzah Nurul and Ustadzah Hamidah, who greeted her with heartfelt congratulations. "Alhamdulillah, Aira. You truly deserve this impressive title," Ustadzah Hamidah exclaimed with pride sparkling in her eyes. "Widyaiswara's student means 'a great student and mentor'. Your task will be to develop a comprehensive mentoring program for 50 junior students, focusing on essential topics such as discipline in studies, memorization techniques of the Qur'an and hadith, as well as fostering independent skills. The national training is set to take place in Jakarta next month—do you feel prepared for this challenge?"
Despite the rapid beating of her heart, Aira nodded resolutely, a testament to her determination. "InsyaAllah, Ustadzah. I am ready. However, may I seek assistance from my friends? Zahra excels in motivational storytelling, and Nisa is incredibly thorough with her memorization."
Ustadzah Nurul offered a gentle smile of approval. "That sounds splendid. Starting this week, get ready to prepare your first class on Saturday night in the small hall, centered around the theme: 'Becoming an Excellent Student like a Mentor'."
As the afternoon sun began its descent, Aira gathered her "core team" in the calligraphy room, a space filled with creativity and budding ideas. The team comprised of her enthusiastic friends: Zahra, Nisa, Lina, Salsabila, Salsabi, and Syarifah. The table before them was strewn with sheets of paper, vibrant markers, and various memorization books, ready to be transformed into powerful teaching tools. Aira spoke with a spark of enthusiasm while sketching out a diagram on the board. "Friends, here's our plan for the very first class," she declared with fervor. "Part one: Ice breaking with a narrative of my past failures—specifically my struggles after failing three competitions before finally clinching a victory. Part two: Practical techniques for hadith memorization, conducted for just 10 minutes a day. Part three: A hands-on calligraphy practice infused with motivational verses. Finally, part four: A personal commitment exercise on paper, featuring an artistic representation of a tree of dreams."
With her excitement palpable, Zahra chimed in, "Aira, I can assist with the storytelling! I'll weave in the captivating tale of Mystery Room 13 to illustrate how discipline helps us navigate curiosity's temptations!"
Aira chuckled, shaking her head, "Za, let's keep the narrative grounded without mystical elements! Instead, keep our focus on positive motivation. Nisa, you'll work on memorizing five hadiths pertaining to knowledge as a demonstration. Lina, I'd like you to create a vibrant promotional poster. Salsabila and Salsabi, please take charge of healthy snacks and opening nasheed music. Syarifah, prepare the Arabic text for our calligraphy practice."
Curiosity sparkled in Nisa's eyes as she asked, "Aira, what about the upcoming national training? I'm thrilled we'll meet remarkable student from across Indonesia!"
Aira drew in a deep breath, releasing a gentle sigh. "That's going to be our biggest challenge yet. Word has it that we'll face a test that requires memorizing 100 hadiths, delivering a presentation on the vision of the Islamic boarding school, and undergoing a psychological interview. However, I am certain this is a golden opportunity for our advocacy. If I succeed at the national level, I could potentially become a special ambassador for the Ministry of Religious Affairs specifically representing female student!"
At last, the much-anticipated Saturday night dawned upon them, bursting forth with a storm of enthusiasm. The small hall was packed to capacity with 50 eager junior students, and a grand poster of Aira adorned the front, boasting the words "Widyaiswara's Student: Great Students Starting Now!" that heightened the electric ambiance. Decorative lights twinkled cheerfully, and the green carpets set a warm, inviting scene. The nasheed music performed by Salsabila and Salsabi filled the air softly, creating a melodic atmosphere as they sang: "Istiqamah di jalan-Mu..."
Finally, Aira took her place on stage, exuding an air of warmth and authority in her voice as she greeted the students. "Assalamu'alaikum, future great students! I am Aira, a proud Widyaiswara's student from the provincial level. Let us begin with my story: Once upon a time, I memorized 50 hadiths but faltered in competition because I was overwhelmed with nervousness. That night, tears flowed, but Ustadzah Nurul offered me solace, saying, 'Failure is the best teacher.' The very next day, I practiced speaking in front of the mirror. The outcome? I proudly emerged as the champion this year!"
At that moment, cheers and applause erupted from the crowd, filling the room with vibrant energy. A petite figure raised her hand, eagerness shining through her expression. "Aira, I often struggle to retain my memorization. How can I remember it more effectively?"
With enthusiasm, Aira illustrated the technique she was teaching: "Listen closely. The first hadith is: 'Knowledge is light.' Visualize light illuminating your mind, repeat it slowly ten times, then write it down in calligraphy. Let's all attempt it together right now!" The students rallied behind her, reciting in unison, creating an exuberant atmosphere. Zahra enthusiastically passed out calligraphy paper, while Lina prepared to draw a creative tree of dreams.
In the midst of the class, an unexpected surprise awaited—Ustadzah Hamidah entered, bearing an award plaque meant for Aira. "Aira, congratulations! You are now officially recognized as a Widyaiswara's student, and you've earned a scholarship for national training. However, there is an additional challenge: tomorrow, we will participate in an inter-boarding school debate competition centered around the theme 'Modern Student vs Traditional Student.' You must represent us!"
Aira's eyes widened, caught off guard by the surprise. "Ustadzah, tomorrow? Is my team and I truly prepared?" The room surged with support, filled with spirited cheers encouraging her. Zahra rose excitedly, declaring, "We are your team, Aira! This is going to be an exhilarating debate!"
The evening drew to a close with a heartfelt prayer shared among the students, their hearts ignited with fervor for what lay ahead. Aira leaned in toward Zahra, whispering with determination, "Za, this is just the beginning. Tomorrow's debate competition will certainly test each of us. Are you ready to embark on this journey to greatness alongside me?"
With a sparkle of confidence in her eyes, Zahra nodded firmly, affirming, "Ready, Aira! This is just the start of our adventure..."
***
The atmosphere that enveloped Al-Hikmah Islamic Boarding School on the bright and hopeful Sunday morning underwent a noteworthy transformation, morphing rapidly into an intense emergency preparation arena filled with a palpable mix of tense excitement and palpable enthusiasm that hung in the air like electricity. As news of the highly anticipated provincial-level debate competition, which would showcase eloquent representatives from various Islamic boarding schools, spread like wildfire through the halls, students could feel an exhilarating stir of anticipation and curiosity. The theme of this year's contest was intriguingly provocative, encapsulated in the title "Modern vs. Traditional Students," sparking lively discussions and passionate debates among the students about the implications and nuances of this duality. Amidst this charged atmosphere, Aira, a student widely recognized for her achievements and public speaking prowess, was honored with the significant responsibility of being the official representative tasked with leading her junior team, comprised of several exceptionally talented members. Zahra had been appointed as the main speaker, while Nisa took on the crucial role of researching and compiling compelling arguments. Lina was entrusted with the design of the impactful visuals, Salsabila and Salsabi served as practice moderators, and Syarifah, who possessed commendable Arabic translation skills, added her invaluable expertise to the mix.
The small hall, which had previously functioned as a motivational classroom the evening prior, was now transformed into a buzzing strategy headquarters. It was alive with an organized chaos of crumpled papers scribbled with ideas, meticulously arranged flipcharts grilled with logical arguments, and not to mention, several rows of steaming cups of tea and coffee—each ready to fuel the team's stamina and sharpen their focus for the crucial hours ahead.
Standing in front of the whiteboard, Aira exuded confidence and determination, her neat hijab adorned with a beautiful calligraphy pin that declared her status as a "Great Student." She led the first official briefing with an infectious enthusiasm that kept everyone engaged: "Hi everyone, just a reminder that the debate competition is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. at the provincial hall," she announced, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "This year's theme is particularly heated and engaging: 'Modern vs. Traditional Student.' Our opponents are a formidable team from Al-Fath boarding school, renowned for their strong memorization skills and known for exhibiting a rather aggressive demeanor in debates. Fortunately, our position will be in favor of modern student who still deeply respect and embrace traditional values. Some of our cornerstone arguments will revolve around how technology can significantly enhance da'wah efforts. However, we must acknowledge that the essential foundations of the Sunnah can never be replaced or overlooked.' Are you all ready?" Aira's spirited address was instrumental in bolstering the morale and enthusiasm of her team.
Brimming with spontaneity and high energy, Zahra raised her hand eagerly, "Aira, I eagerly volunteer to be the opening speaker in the debate! My approach will focus on arguing that 'Modern student benefit from Quran memorization apps, while still maintaining practices such as tahajud like the Prophet did. This is not simply a replacement of tradition, but rather an amplification of the Sunnah!' What are your thoughts?" Zahra expressed her ideas with a glowing enthusiasm that was only matched by Aira's supportive nod, as she felt a surge of pride in Zahra's confidence.
"Awesome, Zahra! But Nisa, what supporting data do you have to bolster our case?" Aira inquired, ensuring everyone was thoroughly prepared. Nisa swiftly opened her mini laptop—which had been awarded special permission due to the urgency of the situation—and proceeded to present her meticulously prepared slides. "Aira," she conveyed in an analytical tone, "data from a survey conducted by the Ministry of Religious Affairs shows that 70% of modern student can memorize Quranic verses at a faster rate thanks to the use of audio applications, yet a remarkable 90% still diligently practice traditional methodologies. Supporting this is the hadith that states, 'Seek knowledge even if it is in China.' Thus, technology can be seen as our 'China' in this modern era. However, we must prepare ourselves for the opposing team's arguments that gadgets can divert attention!" Nisa offered her insights with clarity and depth.
As Lina, who was in charge of the visuals, struggled slightly with her anxiety while clutching her carefully crafted visual poster, she confided, "I've created an infographic showcasing a significant 40% rise in modern student winning national competitions since 2020. However, if we're challenged to provide shar'i evidence, I'm unsure of what our response should be."
Remain composed, Syarifah interjected calmly, "I have prepared a compelling argument in Arabic based on QS Al-Alaq 'Iqra'—which translates to 'read!' Modernization in our approach to reading via digital means remains entirely appropriate. In addition, a hadith suggests that 'knowledge must be sought from any source.' Salsabila and Salsabi, as moderators, practice is crucial—you must ensure that the debate unfolds fairly, devoid of rude interruptions that might disrupt the positive atmosphere," she advised with a blend of confidence and authority.
Salsabila nodded with enthusiasm, reinforcing her commitment, "Yes, sis! We will also incorporate an opening nasheed, ensuring that the judges are impressed by our blend of Islamic culture and modernity."
The preparations intensified considerably when the internal debate practice session commenced. Zahra faced off against Nisa in a spirited simulation that showcased their growing skills and passion. "Modern students are inherently lazy regarding tahajud because they are glued to TikTok!" Nisa argued aggressively, her tone cut deeply as she aimed to make an impact. Zahra quickly retorted, "That assertion is completely misguided! In fact, the adhan reminder app actively aids us in performing our prayers on time! While tradition is undoubtedly admirable, modernization facilitates access to global da'wah opportunities—just consider Ustadz Syafiq Riza, who amasses millions of views with his live streaming!" Zahra's passionate response energized the atmosphere.
Witnessing the intensity rise, Aira offered genuine applause, "Fantastic! Remember, convey emotion from the heart: 'We are student, not merely robots. Modernization must stem from piety, not solely from fleeting trends!' Lina, please project the visuals to enhance our presentation." Aira commanded with clarity and a sense of purpose.
As noon approached, the team, laden with their excitement and determination, boarded the school bus destined for the provincial hall in the city. The atmosphere was electric, charged with tension and caution; it was well-known that their competetors from Al-Fath had engaged in rigorous training sessions, and their formidable leader, sister Laila, was reputed to have memorized an impressive 200 hadiths fluently. The judges were composed of esteemed religious ustadz recognized for their wisdom across the province, alongside a group of officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The audience was vast, numbering around 300 enthusiastic students from 20 different boarding schools throughout the province.
As the debate commenced, the nasheed performed by Salsabila and Salsabi dynamically enlivened the atmosphere and served as a captivating opener for the event. With charisma that radiated from her very being, Aira initiated her team's segment: "Assalamu'alaikum. It is crucial to understand that modern student are not defectors of tradition; we embody adaptive and innovative heirs. Technology is a powerful amplification of Sunnah—just as the pen once was, today's technology has evolved into sophisticated modern applications!" Her declaration was met with loud applause and deep appreciation from the audience, emboldening her spirit.
When it was Zahra's moment to shine, she seized the opportunity to deliver her arguments with fervor, "Consider this: traditional student may only absorb knowledge while sequestered in remote mountains, whereas modern student can share their wisdom with millions through global platforms such as YouTube. Which approach proves more effective for da'wah? The Prophet utilized horses for his journey—now we harness motorcycles and the internet to pursue rewards in the name of Allah!" Sister Laila countered fiercely, "Gadgets undoubtedly lead to zina of the eyes! Traditional student consistently perform tahajud without distractions!"
Responding rapidly with factual data, Nisa asserted, "According to statistics, 80% of modern student earnestly pray with the assistance of reminders from applications! Additionally, a hadith illustrates: 'Whoever seeks knowledge, angels will shade him'—thus, the internet can be perceived as a pathway to modern enlightenment!" Meanwhile, Syarifah enriched the debate by infusing her arguments with Arabic insights, while Lina's visuals reinforced the points convincingly. The atmosphere escalated into a crescendo of high intensity, marked by interruptions, enthusiastic applause, and even occasional bouts of nervous laughter.
During the intermission, Aira gathered her team backstage, pride swelling within her heart. "You all are amazing! As we approach the final round, I will conclude with a national vision. Stay calm and let's recite istighfar for peace of mind." Suddenly, Lina's anxiety bubbled over: "Aira, it seems the judges are leaning towards the traditional team!" Aira quickly wrapped her arms around Lina in a supportive embrace, reassuring her, "Place your trust in Allah. This is our moment to represent great students!" she responded with unwavering certainty.
Ultimately, the final round heralded the climactic culmination of the team's hard work. Aira delivered an emotionally stirring and heartfelt speech: "Widyaiswara's Student embodies not merely a title, but a profound responsibility. The merger of modern and traditional techniques marks the eternal essence of student. Let us emerge as devoted followers of the Prophet in this digital age, with the memorization of essential texts embedded in our hearts and preaching resonating across the globe!" The audience erupted in a standing ovation, applauding with resounding enthusiasm.
As the results of the debate were finally declared, the anticipation in the room reached a fever pitch: "And the winner of this debate competition is: Al-Hikmah Islamic Boarding School!" Cheers erupted throughout the hall, an unexpected and immeasurable source of pride for Aira's entire team. With the victory trophy triumphantly raised above her head, Aira embraced her teammates tightly, exclaiming, "This victory belongs to all of us! Tomorrow, we must prepare for the national training; we will proudly represent our province!"
On the bus ride home, Zahra enveloped Aira in a warm and emotional hug, her voice bubbling with excitement and admiration, "Aira, this is beyond thrilling! We truly are great students now," she exclaimed joyfully. With a mysterious smile dancing on her lips, Aira met Zahra's gaze and responded, "This is merely the beginning. The national challenge awaits just ahead—are you ready to tackle an even larger obstacle?" Fuelled with a burning enthusiasm, the team embraced the burgeoning challenges before them, buoyed by their confidence and the fruits of their unwavering dedication as they celebrated their well-deserved success.