The morning at Al-Hikmah Islamic Boarding School began to awaken under the warm embrace of bright sunshine, a stark contrast to the catastrophic storm that had relentlessly thrased the area throughout the previous week, leaving behind a drained and weary atmosphere that seemed to weigh heavily on the spirits of each resident of the boarding school. As the air around them began to shift, filled now with a sense of renewal and hope, the lingering effects of the exhausting and tumultuous evacuation process still resonated deeply within the emotional fabric of the students, leaving them with an enduring scar that spoke of resilience and hardship. The once vibrant ground in the boarding school yard now lay transformed, a patchwork of dry mud interspersed with the remnants of fallen tree trunks that remained unremoved, a visible testament to the storm's wrath. Meanwhile, at the command post nestled at the foot of the mountain, the emergency tents that had temporarily housed and provided shelter to the students during the crisis were dismantled just the day before, having ensured that the surrounding environment was safe for their return. In this atmosphere of partial recovery, the unexpected good news of success in the national exams ignited a spark of euphoria that spread among the students like wildfire. However, this fleeting joy was quickly overshadowed by the emergence of a new challenge: unsettling rumors that began to shake the fragile bonds of friendship between different groups of students following the distribution of scholarships to those deemed winners.
In the midst of this complex social dynamics, Zahra, a determined and resilient student, gathered her fiercely loyal friends—Nisa, Lina, Salsabila, Salsabi, Aira, and Syarifah—in the calligraphy room, a sanctuary they had established as their clandestine headquarters. Within the confines of this room, the atmosphere was charged with a palpable tension that mixed with anxious feelings, yet every now and then, it was punctuated by bursts of laughter that momentarily lightened the heavy burdens they all carried. Zahra, with a hint of trepidation, slowly opened the folder that contained the much-anticipated national scholarship letter, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm for the achievement that had come their way, though her voice wavered under the weight of doubt as she shared the news. "Guys, we won the national championship! That means every member of our group will receive a scholarship of Rp 5 million, which we can use for a TV da'wah program scheduled next month. But there's a problem—the other group is spreading rumors alleging that we cheated by collaborating with Aira's team. They claim that our memorization was 'too perfect' in the video recorded during the flood. So, what should we do?"
In a spirited attempt to counter the negativity, Nisa playfully nudged Zahra's shoulder and let out a light laugh, her demeanor brightening the room slightly. "Za, how could we have cheated? We memorized while literally standing in knee-deep floodwater! The Al-Fath group is simply envious because they lost the debate yesterday. Sister Laila even mentioned in the WhatsApp group: 'Team Zahra might be using laminated cheat sheets!' But all they observed was our soaked memorization book!" Lina, her hands tightly gripping a victory poster she had painstakingly designed, shook her head in disbelief. "You're absolutely right! I also heard they are planning to boycott tomorrow's celebration. They say we are 'modern student who are too full of ourselves.' But aren't we all representatives of the same province? Shouldn't the bonds of friendship between classes transcend jealousy?"
Amidst this fervor, Aira, now referred to as Widyaiswara's Student, raised her hand calmly, exuding an air of wisdom. "Let's all take a deep breath, guys. This is merely a test of how strong our friendship can truly be. Tomorrow, during the championship celebration in the hall, Ustadzah Hamidah has even invited all the Islamic boarding schools from the whole province to attend. We need to create an atmosphere of reconciliation. I'm planning to make a large calligraphy piece that reads 'Ukhuwwah fillah' as the main backdrop for the event. Syarifah, would you be able to add the Arabic verse underneath it?"
Syarifah, ever eager to contribute to their mission, nodded enthusiastically and then reached for her favorite classic book to share a beautiful verse. "Absolutely, Aira! The Quran, Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 10 states: 'Verily, the believers are brothers.' We can even present them with a collective memorization reward to promote unity, emphasizing that we should not seek revenge but instead extend a hand of friendship." Salsabila and Salsabi, their eyes gleaming with excitement, exchanged glances filled with spark. "What if we created a friendship anthem? With a central line like: 'Even if storms come, hands will hold each other...' Doesn't that sound thrilling?"
Their enthusiasm fueled each preparation for a day dedicated to fostering reconciliation and understanding. Zahra practiced a simulated dialogue aimed at promoting peace: "Sister Laila, I apologize if our enthusiasm came across as excessive. Why don't we memorize the hadith about brotherhood together?" Yet, Nisa, filled with a sense of apprehension, interjected with a hint of doubt: "But what if they remain unyielding and block us on WhatsApp?" Without hesitation, Aira delivered her resolute response, "Even if they refuse, we must maintain our smiles. Strong friendships are never forced; they are born out of sincerity and understanding."
As the afternoon progressed, a surprising turn of events occurred: Laila and five friends from the Al-Fath group approached the art room, their expressions reflecting a mix of hope and tension. "Aira, Zahra! We... we wish to apologize. We have to admit, our jealousy motivated us to spread unfounded rumors after losing the debate. However, can we join you for the celebration tomorrow?" Zahra, filled with overwhelming joy and a sense of relief, instinctively hugged Laila, exclaiming, "Alhamdulillah! You are absolutely welcome! We are all united as one provincial team. Tomorrow, we will memorize together Quran Surah Al-Maidah verse 2: 'Do not destroy yourselves,' reminding ourselves not to let jealousy derail our unity!" Laila, laughter emanating from her, embraced the invitation wholeheartedly. "It's a deal! We'll even bring along a rival nasheed team. Whoever wins must treat everyone to iced tea afterward!"
Night descended upon the boarding school, and the art room echoed with laughter and vibrant energy as they united in preparation. Lina, her creativity ablaze, drew a massive banner proclaiming: "Persevering Friendship—Great Student Together!" Salsabila and Salsabi harmoniously sang a beautiful nasheed duet with the Al-Fath team, blending their voices in a delightful synergy that filled the room with joy. Aira meticulously crafted a piece of calligraphy bearing the verse on ukhuwah, shimmering in vivid gold, while Syarifah dedicated herself to teaching Arabic to everyone with enthusiasm and clarity. Meanwhile, Zahra and Nisa eagerly wrote the pre-event speech, stirring with determination: "From floods to victory, our friendship stands strong and unyielding!"
The following morning arrived with the celebration commencing in grand fashion. The hall, now bustling with about 500 students from all corners of the province, was treated to Ustadzah Hamidah's opening remarks filled with praise: "This gathering showcases the students' perseverance! Jealousy has transformed into friendship, and the storm has imparted invaluable lessons!" As the united team recited Surah Al-Hujurat from the Quran in harmonious unison, the hall erupted in joyful cheers that resonated throughout the building. In her heartfelt speech, Laila expressed her sincere apology: "We extend our apologies for our prior jealousy. Team Zahra has taught us a powerful lesson—true friendship far outweighs the value of any trophy!"
Yet, amidst the celebratory spirit and with spirits soaring high, an extraordinary surprise emerged in the form of a letter from the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Aira, with a mixture of anticipation and slight trepidation, opened the envelope. As her eyes scanned the contents, her voice trembled with excitement, "Congratulations! The joint team has been selected to represent Indonesia in next month's international MTQ competition. This time, the theme is: Friendship Among Asian Islamic Boarding School Students!" The atmosphere instantly erupted into a jubilant frenzy, as cheers of joy filled the air, piercing the sky with their eagerness. Zahra, filled with gratitude and happiness, embraced everyone around her, exclaiming delightfully: "This is just the beginning! Our unbreakable friendship is destined to shine on the world stage!"
Aira, wearing a mysterious yet inviting smile, joined the spirited celebration, asking, "So, are we truly prepared to face our competitors from across Asia?"
***
The euphoric energy of the spectacular celebration that took place yesterday still resonates throughout every inch of Al-Hikmah Islamic Boarding School, its joyful echoes reverberating in hallways, classrooms, and open spaces alike. However, as the sun rises on this crisp morning, the previously cheerful atmosphere has dramatically shifted, morphing into a bustling strategic headquarters teeming with intense activity and determination. This significant transformation is prompted by the arrival of an official and momentous letter from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, which announces Indonesia's selection to send representatives to compete at the Asian level in the prestigious Musabaqah Tilawatil Quran (MTQ) international competition. This news hits the community like a ticking time bomb, igniting a sense of urgency that compels the joint training team comprising Aira, Zahra, and Laila to engage in rigorous practice regimens that demand their commitment around the clock for an entire month. The central theme of this year's competition, titled "Friendship of Asian Student," revolves around three vital categories: Quran memorization, recitation, and calligraphy. Here, they will vie for supremacy against formidable teams hailing from Malaysia, Brunei, and Thailand, each possessing impressive skills and backgrounds. The calligraphy room, typically a serene space for creativity, has been repurposed into a high-energy command center, adorned with a flipchart that meticulously outlines the strategic training schedule, alongside posters depicting their distinguished Asian rivals, and a map detailing effective memorization strategies. Twenty devoted santri from both Al-Hikmah and Al-Fath Islamic boarding schools sit in a tightly knit circle, their eyes red-rimmed and weary from sleepless nights, yet their spirits remain fiercely ignited, as if they have been charged with a collective promise to triumph in this significant endeavor.
At the forefront of this energized scene stands Aira, her posture commanding as she faces her peers while standing confidently before the large blackboard. With her hijab expertly styled and a bandana veil accentuating her determined look, she clutches a thick marker with a sense of purpose. "Listen up, everyone! We are competing at the world level, a platform that reflects our limitless potential! The Malaysian team is here, and they have mastered an astounding 30 juz with fluency that astonishes, while Brunei showcases their demise in the seven-tone maqam recitation, and Thailand exudes creativity with their Thai-Arabic hybrid calligraphy styles. But what sets us apart? It is the powerful strength of our friendship that will serve as our greatest asset! Here's our rigorous practice schedule: Our mornings will be dedicated to memorizing Surah Yasin and Ar-Rahman collectively, afternoons will focus on duet recitation exercises to harness our synergy, and competitive calligraphy sessions will fill our evenings. Laila, your team will spearhead the maqam focus, while Zahra will uplift us with inspirational stories, and Syarifah will articulate the arguments to strengthen our position!"
Zahra, her enthusiasm palpable, jumps with joy as she clutches her speech draft tightly. "Sis, I have the perfect story in mind! I want to weave the narratives of the Prophet's companions, specifically Abu Bakar and Salman Al-Farisi from Persia, who symbolize the beauty of cross-cultural friendship—the same spirit we embody as we rise against our rivals across Asia!" Laila, who has matured from feelings of jealousy to a deep camaraderie with her teammates, nods with unwavering confidence, "I'm all in! My team will practice the Bayati maqam, creating a sound as gentle and soothing as a soft wind rustling through leaves. But let's not forget the rumor circulating—we've heard whispers that the Malaysian team is sending spies to our cottage. They might suspect that we've obtained an unfair advantage once again!"
The infectious laughter of Nisa breaks the tension as she serves warm ginger tea to everyone present. "Spies? How intriguing and adventurous! Let's welcome them rather than view them as adversaries; let's invite them to join us for a friendly memorization session. Lina, what about that anti-spy poster you made?" Almost instantly, Lina points proudly to a colossal banner bearing a vivid illustration of hands uniting across the vibrant flags of Asia, emblazoned with the inspiring message: "Together, We Are Unbeatable!" Meanwhile, the dynamic duo, Salsabila and Salsabi, fills the air with the harmonious strains of a nasheed, their voices interlacing beautifully: "Hands clasped together, memorization is our weapon... reaching from Jakarta to Kuala Lumpur!"
The first exercise bursts into an engaging performance as they simulate a recitation competition rife with energy and excitement. Aira pairs with Laila as they recite Surah Ar-Rahman, alternating verse by verse with a palpable sense of camaraderie. "Fabiayyi aalaaa'i rabbikumaa tukadz dzibaan?" Aira booms confidently in the Hizjazi maqam, her voice resonating throughout the room. Not one to be outshone, Laila counters with a soft delivery in the Bayati maqam, "Khalaqal insaana min shaliil." Syarifah, taking on the crucial role of an internal judge, carefully evaluates their performance: "Aira earns a stellar score of 9.5, while Laila impresses with a score of 9.7—our growing friendship is clearly enhancing our ability to excel!" The room erupts in jubilant cheers, the spirit of competition blending seamlessly with that of unity.
Yet, as the day unfolds, an unexpected twist emerges when the fabled Malaysian "spy" actually makes an appearance! A young girl clad modestly in a Malaysian headscarf, introducing herself as Aishah, enters the art room, a letter of official invitation for a proposed "cultural exchange" clutched in her hands. "Assalamu'alaikum, I am Aishah from Maahad Tahfiz KL. My teacher has instructed me to observe our competitors. May I join your practice?"
Without hesitation, Zahra envelops her in a warm embrace, exclaiming, "Wa'alaikumussalam! Of course you can join us! We'll gladly teach you our maqam techniques, and in return, how about you teach us the famous Thai twist?" Aishah's shy smile radiates warmth as she responds, "Honestly, my initial role was as a spy, but I couldn't help but feel your genuine friendships. Our team has indeed memorized the entirety of 30 juz, yet what truly sets you apart is the strength of your ukhuwah, or brotherhood. Could we perhaps read Surah Al-Asr together?" In unison, they recite, "Wal 'ashr. Innal insaana lafi khusr..." as harmonious voices fill the room, breaking down barriers and fostering a palpable sense of unity.
That very night, the atmosphere in the room intensifies during the internal calligraphy practice session. Lina and Salsabi compete playfully to artistically render verses about the meaning of ukhuwah: Lina opts for a modern, digital approach, while Salsabi adheres to traditional methods using a delicate brush to craft her piece. "Lina," Salsabi teases lightheartedly, "your lines resemble jet skis—fast but devoid of soul!" To which Lina joyfully retorts, "And yours, Salsabi, are reminiscent of a turtle—endearing, yet lacking in speed!" Aira, stepping in to assess the creations, states, "Lina receives an 8.5 for innovation, while Salsabi earns a commendable 9.0 for upholding tradition. Combined, you two create a beautiful winning hybrid that embodies the best of both worlds!"
Suddenly, a surge of excitement sweeps through the room as a WhatsApp message arrives from the Ministry of Religious Affairs: "The Indonesian team will participate in an intensive training camp in Jakarta next week, joining our friends from Malaysia, Brunei, and Thailand! This year's theme of friendship will expand to include spirited competitions between Asian and European teams!" Joyful sounds of exuberance echo vibrantly across the space. Laila wraps Aishah in a heartfelt embrace: "Congratulations, you're our latest addition! Would you like to join us at the training camp?" Aishah nods eagerly, exclaiming, "InsyaAllah! Your camaraderie has inspired me to join the Indonesian team!"
As the twinkling stars adorn the night sky above the boarding school, the unwavering bonds of friendship among these young student have transcended not only geographical boundaries, but have also illuminated the path towards an exhilarating journey ahead into the international arena, filled with anticipation and pride for what is to come...
***
In the early morning hours, as dawn broke and painted the sky with hues of gold and pink, the tranquil atmosphere that typically enveloped Al-Hikmah Islamic Boarding School was suddenly transformed into a vibrant and bustling scene teeming with excitement and anticipation. This energetic shift was brought about by a spirited group of individuals, specifically the Musabaqah Tilawatil Quran (MTQ) joint team, who were preparing to embark on a remarkable journey to Jakarta. Their purpose was to participate in an international training camp, a prestigious event that promised not only personal challenges but also the opportunity to foster camaraderie and showcase their talents on a grand stage. Inside the lively, crowded bus, a kaleidoscope of essential items filled the aisles—bags containing precious Qurans, elegant calligraphy brushes, and bright, eye-catching posters boldly proclaiming "Ulet Asia Bersama." The team members—each vibrant and unique—were elbow to elbow, with Aira, Zahra, Laila, Aishah, who had recently become a beloved friend from Malaysia, alongside Salsabila, Lina, Nisa, and Syarifah. They sat crammed together, their voices melding into a harmonious chorus as they recited Quranic verses, immersing themselves in the spiritually uplifting words that served as their motivation. The cool, crisp morning air carried an electric blend of tension and enthusiasm as they mentally prepared to dive into the rigors of a ten-day training camp at the esteemed National Ma'had in Jakarta, where they would be facing off against teams from Europe, including notable representatives from Turkey and Bosnia, in a competition that would test the very theme of friendship through the lens of both hybrid and traditional teams.
As the bus rattled along the road, Zahra, filled with exuberance, confidently grabbed the microphone and addressed her teammates with infectious energy, exclaiming, "Guys, let's keep our strategy in mind: we are a tenacious hybrid team! Aira, with her stunning golden calligraphy, Sister Laila with her mastery of Bayati maqam, Aishah's incredible memorization of all 30 juz of the Qur'an, my heartfelt stories of ukhuwah, and Syarifah's compelling arguments. They claim Asian student lack discipline; let's prove them utterly wrong!" With laughter echoing in the cramped space, Laila playfully chimed in, "Zahra, it's true that they are renowned for their Ottoman-style memorization, and their voices are akin to opera! But we have the Salsabila nasheed—the harmony that resonates straight from the heart, unmatched and unrivaled!" Aishah, eager to boost morale, added, "The Brunei team has even gone as far as sending spies like me to ensure they can compete effectively against us—they practice for a staggering 18 hours every day! But what about us? We have the strength of 24 hours filled with unlimited ukhuwah!"
When the bus finally arrived at the National Ma'had in Jakarta, they were met with an atmosphere bursting with festivity, so vibrant that it resembled a world-class MTQ festival. Surrounded by around 200 students from 15 different countries, the hall was adorned with soft carpets, stages featuring digital and hybrid calligraphy displays, and well-equipped, air-conditioned strategy rooms that buzzed with energy. Among them was a formidable Turkish team led by Fatma, who greeted the Indonesian-Malaysian team with an icy demeanor, stating, "Welcome, Indonesia-Malaysia team. So you believe you are a modern hybrid team? We from Turkey pride ourselves on our original Ottoman memorization methods, practiced to perfection without any digital applications. Friendship? Compete first!" In a display of grace and poise, Aira responded politely but assertively, "Fatma, ukhuwah is not a sign of weakness—because as the hadith states: 'Believers are like a single body.' How about we come together and practice Surah Ar-Rahman?" With a slight yet defiant smile, Fatma replied, "Challenge accepted!"
The atmosphere heated up almost immediately as they embarked on their first practice, initiating a fierce hybrid recitation competition. In a thrilling duet, Aira and Aishah showcased their talents in the Hizjazi maqam, while Fatma partnered with a fellow competitor from Bosnia. Aira began softly, "Fabiayyi aalaaa' i rabbikumaa tukadz dzibaan?" Her delicate voice was soon accompanied by Aishah's vibrant Malaysian vibrato, beautifully enriching the performance. Unfazed, Fatma responded with her powerful and dramatic Ottoman-style voice: "Khalaqal insaana min shaliil—as if the resonance was echoing from the grand Hagia Sophia mosque itself!" The international jury, after much deliberation, announced the scores with tension in the air: "Team Indonesia scores 9.8 in ukhuwah harmony, while Team Turkey receives 9.9 for their classical technique—an incredibly close competition!" The excitement erupted, filling the air with cheers of joy from the Asian team, their spirits lifted by the collective triumph.
As noon approached, it was finally time for the calligraphy drama to commence, showcasing the artistic talents of the participants. Lina prepared to face off against an accomplished artist from Thailand, and with a burst of creativity, she digitally illustrated the verse of ukhuwah (brotherhood), complete with stunning lighting effects that brought her work to life: "Innal mu'minuuna akhuwwatun," radiated the message of unity in vivid colors. In response, the Thai artist wielded a traditional brush with impressive dexterity, his strokes smooth as fine Bangkok silk. Aira, feeling a touch of nerves, mentally tallied the scores: "Lina deserves a remarkable 9.5 for her innovative approach, while Thailand receives 9.6 for their passionate spirit—tomorrow we shall unite to become champions in a hybrid format!" In a moment that illustrated the essence of brotherhood, Lina embraced her Thai rival warmly, saying, "Sister, please teach me your Thai twist!"
That evening, however, tensions arose during a tactical meeting when the Brunei team announced their decision to boycott the training camp, spurred by jealousy over the recitation scores. "They are accusing us of cheating by leaning too heavily on ukhuwah!" Laila vented, frustration evident in her voice. Zahra, ever the peacemaker, suggested, "Let's extend an invitation for them to join us tonight! We can memorize Surah Al-Mumtahanah together—'Allah does not forbid you from doing good to those who do not fight you.'" Quickly, Aishah offered, "I'll reach out to my contacts in Malaysia—they'll help us spread our message!" Soon, they sent a heartfelt video of Salsabila's nasheed: "Hands clasped across continents..." which ultimately resonated with the Brunei team. As a result, they agreed to join in the spirited gathering at 11:00 PM.
Nevertheless, the climax of the night unfolded when the judges made an unexpected announcement. "An impromptu competition: Asia vs. Europe Friendship Presentation will take place tomorrow morning! The theme will center around Quran Surah Al-Hujurat 13, highlighting cross-tribal brotherhood. The hybrid Asian team representing Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, and Thailand will go head-to-head against teams from Turkey and Bosnia!" The air exploded with exhilaration as wild cheers erupted from the assembled teams. With a determined glint in her eye, Fatma challenged Aira, saying, "Are you ready to face defeat tomorrow?" To which Aira gracefully responded with a warm hug, "We are ready to win together! Our strong ukhuwah is truly unbeatable."
In the dormitory room that night, a sense of camaraderie enveloped Zahra as she softly whispered to her teammates, "From mere envy, we have now emerged as world-class rivals. Isn't it exhilarating to know that you are now a part of this legendary super Asian team?" Aira, filled with sheer happiness, replied with a broad smile, "Indeed, Za. Tomorrow's impromptu competition is our chance to shine—are you all ready to become MTQ Asia legends?"
With the stars twinkling brightly in the Jakarta sky, the moment bore witness to the burgeoning friendship among them, a bond that grew ever stronger and more resolute, ready to sparkle and shine on the competitive stage that would see Asia and Europe battle it out in the name of unity and mutual respect…
***
As the first rays of sunlight illuminated the vast expanse of Ma'had Nasional Jakarta that morning, it was clear that something momentous was about to unfold. The air crackled with excitement as participants and spectators alike gathered for what felt like the final round of a thrilling, albeit miniaturized, world-class Musabaqah Tilawatil Quran event. Approximately 500 enthusiastic spectators had converged, hailing from 15 diverse countries, to fill the magnificent hall, which was lively with expectation. A long, vibrant green carpet dedicated to recitation gracefully spanned across the room, providing a stunning backdrop against which the competition would take place. The hybrid stage, a remarkable fusion of cutting-edge digital technology and traditional brushwork, gleamed brilliantly under the hall's lights, catching the eye of everyone in attendance, while a large screen displayed the scores in real time, adding an element of anticipation to each performance.
On the left side of the stage stood the Asia Super Team, a formidable coalition of representatives from Indonesia (Team Aira-Zahra), Malaysia (Aishah), Brunei, and Thailand, each member clad in cross-cultural uniforms that prominently featured the phrase "Ukhuwah Asia Ulet," meaning "Resilient Asian Brotherhood." They exuded confidence and camaraderie, a stark contrast to their opponents, who made up the Strong European Team, consisting of representatives from Turkey (Fatma) and Bosnia. The Europeans were distinguished by their dramatic Ottoman-style attire, which invoked a sense of historical grandeur, and they were met with thunderous applause and cheers from their enthusiastic supporters, further heightening the atmosphere of friendly rivalry. This time, the competition was themed around the profound message of Quran Surah Al-Hujurat verse 13—"Cross-tribal brothers"—and included a combination of memorization, recitation, calligraphy showcasing artistic skills, and a five-minute friendship speech that encapsulated the spirit of the event. The panel of judges, comprised of esteemed members from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and UNESCO, maintained an unwavering commitment to excellence, delivering meticulous evaluations of every performance.
Taking center stage, Aira prepared to deliver her opening greeting with a firm and resolute voice as she grasped the microphone. She addressed the audience with warm enthusiasm: "Assalamu'alaikum, world! We are Team Asia Super, a living testament to the power of ukhuwah (brotherhood) that has enabled us to rise above minor disputes at the provincial level to unite on this remarkable continental stage today. Let us come together and recite Quran Surah Al-Hujurat verse 13!" And with that, twenty powerful voices from across the Asian continent converged, echoing loudly in unison: "Yaa ayyuhannasu khuliqtu min zakarinw wa untsaaa… inna akramakum 'indallahi atqakum…" Their harmonious blend of the Hijazi, Bayati, and Thai styles sent chills down the spine of each person watching, enveloping them in a shared moment of profound connection and cultural richness. The Asian team cheered vibrantly at their performance, while a smile spread across Fatma's face as she applauded respectfully, exclaiming, "You guys have incredible spirit!"
With the recitation session commencing, the spotlight turned to a dynamic duet between Zahra and Aishah, who harmoniously faced off against Fatma, paired with her counterpart from Bosnia. Zahra began with a booming voice that resonated powerfully: "Innal mu'minuuna akhuwwatun—we believers are brothers!" The seamless transition to Aishah infused the performance with her unique soft vibrato, known for its beauty and grace, characteristic of Malaysian artistry. In response, Fatma captivated the audience with her powerful delivery, utilizing the grandeur of her Ottoman opera style: "Fa ishlaahu baynahum... damaaih baynahum billahi!" The judges could not help but award scores that reflected the excitement: Asia scored an impressive 9.9, with Europe not far behind at 9.8—a testament to their extraordinary talents! Meanwhile, Laila, who watched eagerly from the sidelines, couldn't resist teasing: "Fatma, how about joining Team Asia? Ukhuwah is definitely more fun than Ottoman solo!" Fatma answered with a knowing laugh: "Just wait and see what will happen in the final round!"
The drama escalated further during the calligraphy segment, where Lina collaborated with the Thai representative, leveraging both traditional and digital artistry against Bosnia's elegant gold strokes, reminiscent of the remarkable artistry found within the Hagia Sophia. Lina added flair by incorporating mesmerizing light effects that illuminated her piece as it declared: "Inna akramakum 'indallahi atqakum"—a phrase that sparkled with cultural significance. Bosnia, however, responded with thick, bold strokes, retaining the purity of their tradition. The judges acknowledged the dedication displayed, with scores reflecting the creativity demonstrated: "Asia receives a well-deserved 10 for their innovative ukhuwah presentation, while Europe earns a commendable 9.7 for their adherence to tradition!" Overwhelmed with joy at this achievement, Lina embraced her Thai partner tightly, exclaiming, "We are the world hybrid champions!"
As the competition moved into the speech round, Aira stepped forward, her eyes glistening as she addressed the audience with heartfelt sincerity. "We once only engaged in friendly debates in our provinces, facing rigorous exams even in heavy rain, longing for Malaysia to join us… but look at us now—a resilient ukhuwah has united us all! There is a profound hadith from the Prophet that teaches us this ummah is akin to one body; when any part experiences pain, the entire body feels it. So today, Asia and Europe, let us unite our hands—not as rivals, but as brothers and sisters in faith!" The audience erupted into a standing ovation, their applause echoing through the hall, and moments later, Fatma stepped onto the stage to hug Aira tightly, acknowledging, "You have truly won our hearts! What do you think, Team Europe; shall we join in the victory celebrations together?" The roar of global enthusiasm resounded throughout the venue, highlighting the theme of unity.
As the culmination of the event drew near and the judges announced the results, anticipation filled the air: "The winner of this International MTQ Camp is: Team Asia Super! With this victory, you will receive a scholarship from UNESCO and an exclusive invitation to participate in the World MTQ set to take place in Egypt next year! Your theme of friendship has crafted a legendary story that has just begun!" Gold confetti rained down from above, filling the room with glimmering excitement while cross-continental hugs sprang up in every corner, not to mention the echoes of the beautiful nasheed Salsabila-Salsabi drifting from the Aishah-Fatma duet: "Hands clasped, eternal memorization..." Zahra, bursting with joy, raced to embrace everyone in sight, exclaiming, "From our flooded boarding school to shining on the Asian stage—our friendship is truly unbreakable!"
That night, as they boarded the bus back to Jakarta and to their boarding school, Aira opened a letter sent from UNESCO, revealing thrilling news: "Congratulations! Your joint team has been officially invited to the World MTQ competition taking place in Egypt, where you will face off against teams from America, Africa, and Northern Europe. The motto is: 'Global Brotherhood'." Gleeful cheers erupted from the team members, with Laila looking on proudly and declaring, "Aira, we have gone from rivals at the provincial level to now representing ourselves on a global platform? This is truly beyond imagination!" Meanwhile, Aishah sent a message via WhatsApp, announcing, "Malaysia will be sending additional team members—see you in Egypt!" And Fatma added excitement with a video call, "How about Turkey joining you in Egypt? The ukhuwah between Europe and Asia is, indeed, super!"
Zahra leaned closer to Aira, whispering, "Aira, our friendship has proven to be resilient, transcending continents. Are you ready for the MTQ in Egypt?" Aira's face lit up with a bright smile and her eyes twinkled with anticipation as she replied, "Absolutely, Za! From pettiness and jealousy to proudly standing on the pyramid stage—the global stage is ready for us!"
As the night sky of Jakarta enveloped them, it felt as though it stood witness to a friendship that had transformed into a global legend—one that was prepared to conquer the forthcoming MTQ in Egypt with an unbreakable bond, forged from the depths of brotherhood that remained enduring and eternal.