A bright and cheerful morning at Al-Hikmah Islamic Boarding School slipped by quietly, a calm interlude following the recent whirlwind of excitement and festivities during the international Musabaqah Tilawatil Quran (MTQ) celebration. The air had finally settled back into its usual rhythm, returning the atmosphere to a state of normalcy. However, within the walls of the 11th-grade science classroom, there was a distinct and palpable difference on this particular day: a Fiqh lesson was about to take place, and it was to be led by none other than Ustadzah Siti, a beloved and legendary teacher renowned for her extraordinary talent for transforming complex and intricate topics into enjoyable life adventures that captivated her students' imaginations. The classroom itself buzzed with educational energy, adorned with vibrant posters illustrating the pillars of prayer and intricately crafted 3D diagrams depicting the often complex process of wudhu. The comforting scent of camphor wafted through the air from the well-thumbed mushafs that lined the shelves, blending harmoniously with the cool morning breeze flowing in through the open windows, creating a unique atmosphere that invited curiosity and engagement.
In the front row, Aira, an accomplished Widyaiswara student known for her determination and dedication, sat attentively, eager to absorb every bit of knowledge. Her friends, Zahra, Nisa, and Lina, settled in comfortably right behind her, sharing in the anticipation of the lesson. In one corner of the bustling classroom, the lively twins Salsabila and Salsabi, often the source of laughter and joy, added their usual spark of cheer to the environment. Meanwhile, Syarifah, ever diligent and studious, busily scribbled down Arabic arguments in bold, precise letters, ensuring she did not miss a single detail of the valuable explanations being imparted by their beloved ustadzah.
As the classroom door creaked open, Ustadzah Siti made her entrance, gracefully carrying a cloth bag filled to the brim with well-worn yellow books that hinted at the depth of knowledge they would explore that day. Her sharp critique echoed through the room—sharp as a sharia knife—yet it was consistently softened by her warm, reassuring smile that put every student at ease. "Assalamu'alaikum, wonderful students! Today, we will delve into the fascinating world of Fiqh Munakahat—Islamic marriage. This subject goes beyond mere gossip about dating; it encompasses the foundational elements required to cultivate a peaceful household, firmly grounded in the teachings of our Prophet. Now, can anyone mention the essential requirements for a valid marriage?" she asked, her voice smooth and inviting like honey syrup.
Eager to demonstrate her knowledge, Aira immediately raised her hand enthusiastically, signaling her interest and readiness to provide her response. "Ustadzah, the requirements for a valid marriage include ijab and qabul, the presence of two fair male witnesses, a guardian, a dowry, and the stipulation of not being in a state of ihram. As stated in Quran Surah An-Nisa, verse 21, it reads: 'Give the dowry willingly,'" she answered with confidence, her well-rehearsed delivery bolstered by soft applause from her classmates. In an intimate whisper, Zahra leaned over to Nisa, sharing an admiring smile as she remarked, "Aira is indeed a world champion now; her memorization of fiqh flows as smoothly as her recitation of the Qur'an!"
Witnessing Aira's insightful response brought a proud smile to Ustadzah Siti's face, validating Aira's hard work and dedication. "That's precisely correct, Aira! However, theory alone will not suffice for our lesson today. We are going to engage in an exciting simulation: a drama depicting the contrasts between civil marriage and traditional marriage. Group 1 will advocate for civil marriage, with Aira taking the role of team leader, while Group 2 will defend the traditional version, with Zahra stepping up to lead that charge. Now, let's discover which approach aligns more closely with sharia compliance! Let's get started!"
Instantly, the classroom erupted into a lively atmosphere filled with enthusiastic discussions and animated exchanges. Aira's team sprang into action, passionately detailing their stance: "Civil marriage adheres to sharia principles! Ta'aruf occurs through family connections and halal applications like Muzz, where the ijab kabul can be conducted via video call with online witnesses—all of whom must be fair. A hadith advises us, 'Marry a woman for her religion,' and we can indeed connect through online da'wah!" Aira then confidently began to illustrate an example of ijab, proclaiming, "I accept this marriage..."
In response, Team Zahra fired back with fervent arguments of their own: "Traditional marriage is the best choice! Meetings are conducted face-to-face, and ta'aruf at the mosque happens with the guardian present. Using apps can lead to unnecessary temptations and the zina of the eyes! As clearly emphasized in Quran Surah An-Nur, verse 30: 'Lower your gaze.'" With a slightly shy demeanor, Lina stood up to embody the traditional approach, proclaiming, "Assalamu'alaikum, prospective... er, sister. What is your religion?" This innocent moment sent waves of laughter rippling through the entire class.
Nisa eagerly added her thoughts, relating real-world experiences: "Ustadzah, reflecting on the recent MTQ in Egypt, it's noticeable that Asian students are increasingly engaging in hybrid marriages. I propose that we can blend civil and traditional marriages! Ta'aruf can initially unfold through the family's WhatsApp group, leading to an actual meeting at the mosque!" Ustadzah Siti clapped her hands in appreciation and enthusiasm. "That's a brilliant idea! The combined approach indeed offers a contemporary take. Now, however, we will move on to our next drama with a real-life scenario. Lina, you will get to handle the case of a prospective husband who forgets the dowry—what is the ruling in this situation?"
Lina, though visibly anxious, could not suppress her excitement at the challenge laid before her. "Ustadzah, will the marriage be canceled? Or should it proceed despite this oversight?" she inquired earnestly. In unison, Salsabila and Salsabi chimed in with confidence, "The dowry remains obligatory, but its payment can be deferred! This aligns with the hadith of Aisha Radhiyallahu Anhu, in which it is narrated that the Prophet married without a cash dowry, relying solely on a promise. Thus, according to this ruling, the marriage is valid, but payment must be made promptly!" Syarifah added in a steady voice the Arabic argument: "Fii mautirin nuuquud—the dowry can indeed be postponed."
As the drama reached a thrilling crescendo, Ustadzah Siti posed an "extreme case" to Zahra: "Imagine someone is caught secretly dating. What is the fiqh ruling in such a situation? What would be the appropriate consequences—repentance or maybe a suspension from the boarding school?" Zahra answered with unwavering conviction: "A person must engage in sincere repentance: istighfar, sever all contact, and significantly increase their repentance prayers for 40 days. Regarding the boarding school, this would involve counseling sessions with Ustadzah Nurul. As emphasized in the Quran, Surah At-Tahrim, verse 8: 'O you who believe, repent to Allah with sincere repentance.'" The classroom fell into a hushed silence, clearly impressed by Zahra's confidence and firm grasp of the subject, as they recalled a previous incident that had garnered the moniker "the Mystery of Room 13."
Building on the discussion, Aira interjected again: "During the recent Asian Quran Recitation Competition, the Thai team wondered about how to navigate polygamy in compliance with Islamic law if one wife is seriously ill. The answer must be that fairness in providing for them financially is paramount, and one must also secure the permission of the wife. This is supported by the hadith: 'If you fear injustice, then marry only one.'" Ustadzah Siti nodded appreciatively, "Excellent! For your homework assignment, I would like each of you to write an essay on 'Fiqh of Marriage in the Digital Age'. Tomorrow, we will not only have presentations, but also a pop quiz waiting for you!"
When the bell rang, announcing the start of recess, the class erupted as students dispersed, laughter and lively discussions filling the air. Zahra pulled Aira into a tight embrace, exclaiming, "Aira, fiqh is so exhilarating! It feels like an invigorating MTQ debate; only now we are discussing marriage!" Nisa playfully teased Lina, laughing, "Lina, where's your prospective spouse? Let's facilitate a madani ta'aruf!" Lina turned red, flustered, and responded, "Enough with the joking! We need to concentrate on the essay first!"
As the excitement simmered down, Ustadzah Siti approached Aira with a conspiratorial whisper, "You all are truly amazing. But do brace yourselves, because tomorrow there will be a quiz that involves a rather complex case: divorce or talak conducted online via WhatsApp—will it be deemed valid or invalid? Are you prepared to take on this intricate digital fiqh challenge?" With an air of confidence, Aira smiled boldly, her eyes sparkling with determination as she replied, "Absolutely ready, Ustadzah!"
***
The following afternoon brought a notable transformation within the atmosphere of Ustadzah Siti's Fiqh class, which abruptly shifted from its usual serene environment to a stimulating arena bustling with spirited debates focused on the intricate nuances of Sharia law as it pertains to the digital age. The ambiance within the classroom seemed to grow increasingly charged, almost palpably heating up like a freshly ignited gas stove, as the students prepared for an engaging discussion. Typically, the classroom was meticulously organized, but it was now a bustling hub of activity; an emergency projector commanded the room's attention by prominently displaying a provocative fake WhatsApp screenshot that provocative proclaimed, "talak via chat" (divorce via chat). The walls, once bare, now showcased vibrant posters depicting an intellectual showdown between the Hanafi and Shafi'i schools of thought and the progressive modernist lens, which emphasized the contextual relevance of technology in religious practices. In the center of this educational storm, a round table had been meticulously arranged, setting the stage for a mock fiqh court simulation that promised to test the mettle of each student's reasoning and analytical capabilities.
Among the dynamic group of students, Aira, showcasing her strategic acumen, seized an optimal seat and began to diligently prepare notes drawn from the Asian MTQ as potential material for her later arguments. Meanwhile, her classmates Zahra and Nisa were observed engaging in animated discussions as they crafted compelling pro-digital arguments in favor of embracing technology's role in contemporary religious processes. In stark contrast, the opposing trio, comprising Lina, Salsabila, and Salsabi, readied themselves to passionately advocate for traditional methodologies that upheld time-honored practices. Among them was Syarifah, who clutched a yellow book known as Fathul Qadir tightly, as if it were a talisman that would bolster her position in the impending debate. Just then, Ustadzah Siti entered the classroom, bearing a dummy phone in one hand and a microphone in the other, her warm smile lighting up the room as she greeted the students with her customary salutation: "Assalamu'alaikum, young fiqh experts! Today, prepare yourselves for an impromptu quiz centered around the thought-provoking topic: 'Divorce via WhatsApp, valid or invalid?' We will organize ourselves into two debate teams: the pro-valid team led by Aira, and the contra-invalid team led by Zahra. Each of you must ready your arguments, citing pertinent extracts from the hadiths, with particular emphasis on those that are mutawatir, to bolster your respective stances!"
Without missing a beat, Aira leaped into action, presenting her arguments with fervor, which invigorated the continuing discussion: "In my opinion, Ustadzah, divorce via WhatsApp ought to be recognized as valid! The ijab-qabul process, as it stands, is flexible enough to accommodate both verbal and written forms—a message exchanged over WhatsApp can indeed be likened to the letters penned by the Prophet and dispatched to the king of Persia. According to the 2020 Fatwa issued by the Indonesian Ulema Council, digital divorce is regarded as valid, provided that there are impartial witnesses present online. If a husband sends a message articulating 'talak satu' (one divorce) at 11 p.m. to his wife's WhatsApp, and there are supporting witnesses ready in the family group to confirm this, then indeed, it can be deemed valid. The Quran substantiates this notion, particularly in Surah At-Talaq verse 1, where it states: "O Prophet, if a husband divorces..."—implying that both verbal and written declarations of divorce share an equal status! This assertion evoked an enthusiastic response, with half of the students in the classroom clapping and cheering in solidarity with Aira's viewpoint.
Zahra, determined not to remain eclipsed, countered with a vigorous rebuttal, her presence commanding the room as she positioned herself dramatically at the front: "It's abundantly clear that this should be wholly deemed invalid! Engaging in divorce via WhatsApp is akin to committing digital adultery—being that there exists no direct interaction among witnesses, and emotions conveyed through chat can often be impulsively reactive and lacking deliberation. Grounded in the hadith found in Sahih Bukhari, it is stated: 'There are three matters that must not be trifled with: marriage, divorce, and the freeing of slaves.' Lina, would you be so kind as to illustrate for the class the fabricated WhatsApp message?" Lina eagerly obliged, reading aloud the contrived message that declared: "'Divorce! Divorce! Divorce!' dispatched while under the influence at 2 a.m., and I insist that such a declaration cannot be taken seriously! There must be an officiated ijab ceremony, akin to what we witness during the marriage contract." In a complementary effort, Salsabila interjected, reinforcing the counter-argument: "As per the Shafi'i interpretation, divorce must be communicated verbally and in person. A message transmitted via WhatsApp is fraught with ambiguity and poses the risk of being misconstrued as fraudulent!"
Noticing the escalating tension in the room, Nisa raised her hand, her expression a mix of concern and urgency, and exclaimed, "Ustadzah, what if there exists a genuine case: a friend of mine at MTQ in Thailand experienced a divorce through WhatsApp, and now his wife is pregnant—how does that impact the status of the unborn child? What are the fiqh implications surrounding this circumstance?" In response, Ustadzah Siti offered a knowing smile and gestured encouragingly: "That is an excellent inquiry! Syarifah, could you tackle this question with the appropriate Arabic evidence?" With confidence radiating from her demeanor, Syarifah smoothly articulated: "Laa yahillu lakum an ta'khudzhuu nisaa'akum bil ikhraa'—which translates to 'Do not compel your wives into divorce in any situation' (An-Nisa: 19). In this particular scenario, while divorce via WhatsApp could potentially stand as a valid reason, it is imperative that there are witnesses who can authenticate the incident through a video call for it to meet the validity criteria in this hybrid context." The students buzzed with excitement as the conversation grew increasingly animated, with voices overlapping in fervor.
At the height of the simulated trial's drama: Ustadzah Siti assumed the role of judge, while Aira took on the duties of prosecutor for the pro-valid team, and Zahra emerged as the dynamic lawyer for the contra-invalid team. Aira crystallized her argument further: "We possess evidence manifesting itself in the form of a WhatsApp message timestamp and a voice message articulating 'the divorce is valid'—hence, the dowry can be recuperated, and the waiting period can consequently commence!" With resolve, Zahra responded unfalteringly: "I present a counterargument! The husband was inebriated at the moment he pronounced the divorce; thus, a declaration made while intoxicated is invalid per the hadith narrated by Abu Dawud! There must be witnesses who are able to affirm the event in a face-to-face manner!" Aira quickly countered: "Witnesses were indeed present through Zoom, and an Ustadz verified it—particularly in this age of MTQ Asia, we can and should leverage the hybrid divorce approach!" Laughter erupted throughout the classroom, encapsulating the vibrant nature of the discussion, until Ustadzah Siti light-heartedly brought order back to the proceedings with a prompt *bang* of her gavel, ultimately rendering her decision: "The official ruling is that divorce conducted via WhatsApp is considered valid, provided that the conditional stipulation of having witnesses capable of verifying the circumstances is met, and it must not transpire hastily or without reflection."
However, Ustadzah Siti had prepared a twist for the students, unveiling an alternative provocative scenario. "Salsabi, allow me to present a new case: what if a wife declares her divorce to her husband via an Instagram Story that is publicly visible—is this declaration valid? Additionally, what are the implications regarding polygamy in a digital landscape?" Salsabi visibly trembled as she gathered her thoughts to respond: "A wife cannot initiate the divorce without her husband's mandate, which often requires clear delegation. A divorce executed via Instagram should rightly be classified as invalid—given its public nature, it presents itself as a potential for misjudgment, and could be construed as a form of adultery by sight! Concerning the matter of polygamy, if permission for such is granted via WhatsApp by the first wife, it can be acknowledged as valid, provided there is equitable financial support extended, yet the process of ta'aruf must always occur in person." With a teasing tone, Lina chimed in, "Salsabi, discussing polygamy on your Instagram Story will undoubtedly ignite a frenzy of commentary from your followers!" A ripple of laughter swept through the classroom, further lightening the atmosphere.
As the session drew to a close, Aira eagerly recounted her experiences: "Ustadzah, during the MTQ in Egypt, it's quite probable that the African team will inquire about the possibility of marriage within the metaverse utilizing VR—can the ijab be executed through an avatar?" In response to this thought-provoking query, the ustadzah brimmed with laughter, enjoying the creativity of the question as she declared, "That will become tomorrow's assignment! I'm assigning everyone to commence research on fiqh related to the metaverse and prepare a presentation for our discussion tomorrow. The grouping will be randomized, much like Aira and Zahra, who have now found themselves teamed up in the pro-hybrid initiative!"
When the bell finally rang, the students began to disperse, the air thick with the electric energy following such an intense and enriching debate. Zahra turned to Aira, extending a handshake as she remarked, "Aira, the discussion about divorce via WhatsApp was incredibly riveting! Tomorrow we are guaranteed to have an engaging discourse on how hybrid marriage functions within the metaverse—imagine the day we could possibly marry using avatars like characters in a video game?" Nisa, keen to refocus their efforts, added, "Zahra, we must concentrate on our essay first! Hey Lina, please refrain from posting any more Instagram Stories until we complete our assignment!" A light blush reddened Lina's cheeks as she responded, "Oh please, just hush, all of you!"
After the class had concluded, Ustadzah Siti took a moment to converse with her students, entrusting them with a whisper of encouragement: "All of you represent the future, and you are not merely navigating life's challenges! Tomorrow, let's ready ourselves for a forward-thinking Sharia debate centered on the metaverse and the implications regarding inheritance within the realm of cryptocurrency—are you all prepared for this exciting journey?" With enthusiasm shining brightly in her eyes, Aira promptly bit her lip in anticipation and declared: "Absolutely ready, Ustadzah!"
***
On the third morning of Ustadzah Siti's Fiqh class, an unexpected and exhilarating transformation occurred, enveloping the entire 11th grade science classroom in an atmosphere reminiscent of a vibrant futuristic sharia festival. This remarkable metamorphosis triggered a wave of hysterical excitement among the students, who found themselves immersed in an environment that was anything but ordinary. The classroom, which typically served as a platform for traditional learning, underwent a breathtaking change, with high-definition projectors illuminating the space as they displayed lifelike dummies for VR headsets that were intended for the imaginative concept of "metaverse weddings." The walls were adorned with eye-catching posters that creatively illustrated the complexities of inheritance distribution, presenting cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Shiba Inu coin as modern alternatives to traditional wealth transfer. Even the round table, commonly a focal point for debates, was ingeniously transformed to simulate a "digital court equipped with a 4.0 madhhab," reflecting the integration of technology with religious practice.
Within this dynamic setting, two students, Aira and Zahra, seized the opportunity to represent the forward-thinking pro-hybrid team, while their classmates Nisa and Lina passionately took up the mantle of the anti-traditional team. Their presentation was further enhanced by the digital moderators Salsabila and Salsabi, who skillfully navigated the VR landscape, while Syarifah took charge of managing the MUI digital fatwa screen, ensuring that every aspect of the debate remained engaging and informative. As Ustadzah Siti made a grand entrance, dramatically donning a pair of VR glasses, she greeted the class with a cheerful, "Assalamu'alaikum, cyber fuqaha! Today, we will embark on the final debate titled 'Fiqh Metaverse & Crypto Inheritance.' Each group will have a dedicated five minutes for their presentations, followed by an intense question-and-answer session. Aira and Zahra, you may begin—can avatar marriage be considered sharia-compliant, or is it deemed forbidden?!"
Embodying the spirit of their pro-hybrid team, Aira and Zahra delivered a powerful presentation that captivated their audience. Aira commenced with an awe-inspiring VR demonstration, confidently asserting to Ustadzah, "This hybrid marriage is indeed valid! The ijab and qabul can be seamlessly performed in the metaverse using avatars, with witnesses participating through Zoom, and the guardian can conveniently be present in person. Our evidence stems from the hadith, 'Marry for the sake of religion'—while virtual reality ta'aruf is permissible as long as it does not violate the principles of adultery of the eyes. Additionally, a fatwa issued in 2024 from Egypt confirms that digital marriage can be valid, provided the spiritual connection remains intact!" Zahra expertly enhanced their argument by adding a compelling visual element, illustrating her point, "Picture this: avatars performing the ijab in the breathtaking virtual Hagia Sophia mosque, with the dowry offered in the form of a stablecoin crypto. In the Quran, Surah An-Nisa, verse 4 states, 'Give the dowry willingly'—because although Bitcoin can fluctuate, making it potentially haram, USDT is stable and widely considered sharia-compliant!" The class erupted in enthusiastic cheers, but Lina quickly interjected with a pressing concern, asking, "But what if there are virtual babies that result from these avatar marriages?!"
Nisa, quick on her feet, delivered a sharp counter-argument from the traditional team's standpoint, declaring, "This is unequivocally haram! The metaverse induces sin by promoting 3D visual adultery, which goes against Quran Surah An-Nur, verse 30, commanding us to lower our gaze! A physical ijab qabul is not just preferable, it is an obligation, much like when the Prophet married Aisha. Lina, please illustrate this!" Taking on the challenge, Lina donned a VR headset, playfully emulating a conversation by saying, "Assalamu'alaikum, avatar of my future spouse... oh, alas, the network is sluggish, the connection is down! Therefore, our marriage is canceled! As mentioned in a hadith: 'Three things should not be taken lightly: marriage, divorce, and slavery'—and this VR concept is merely playful entertainment!" Salsabila chimed in with a teasing remark, "As for crypto inheritance, how do we handle the scenario where Papa's Bitcoin needs to be inherited and Mama claims the wallet—what's the method to divide half of the child's rights?!"
As the intense question-and-answer session unfolded, the mood in the classroom started to escalate remarkably. Syarifah posed a thought-provoking challenge, stating, "According to qaul fuqahaa, crypto inheritance is equivalent to gold, representing a fardhu 'ain law for every individual. The blockchain offers a level of transparency that can be fairer than relying on a physical will that can easily be misplaced!" In the back row, a student stirred the pot even further with a controversial query, "Ustadzah, can polygamy with NFTs be possible? Is it permissible to buy a virtual wife using tokens?" In response, Ustadzah merely chuckled, saying, "That is bid'ah! Our focus must remain on upholding crypto inheritance in a sharia-compliant manner, ensuring that audits remain transparent and the required 2.5% zakat is paid. Aira, could you please provide an answer to this extreme situation?"
With fervor and conviction, Aira took the stage again, delivering a passionate speech that culminated in an impressive conclusion: "Imagine an MTQ competition taking place in Egypt: a team from Africa seeks guidance on marrying an AI chatbot—it can be valid as long as the ijab qabul program operates fairly! Regarding crypto inheritance, smart contracts integrated within wallets can automatically divide assets, aligning with Quran Surah An-Nisa verse 11, where sons receive twice the share of daughters!" Zahra further emphasized their stance, "Today's reality is that numerous students in Thailand utilize halal ta'aruf apps, boasting a user base of one million. While tradition is undeniably crucial, a hybrid approach is clearly the way forward!" This rallying cry spread through the room, and cheers echoed warmly as Ustadzah Siti struck her virtual gavel, proclaiming, "The pro-hybrid team emerges victorious! However, we must all bear in mind that tradition remains an inseparable foundation."
As the bell rang, signaling the end of the heated debate, Nisa took the opportunity to tease Lina, playfully suggesting, "Lin, how about we try VR marriage first? The avatar could be a teasing crypto billionaire!" Without hesitation, Lina retaliated by hurling a marker in her direction, exclaiming, "Knock it off! We need to focus on this NFT zakat issue—how many satoshis are required for Shiba coin zakat?!" Syarifah responded bluntly, "The zakat stands at 2.5% of its market value, as outlined in the Quranic verse, Surah At-Taubah, verse 103!"
In the midst of this lively exchange, Ustadzah Siti leaned closer to Aira, offering a soft, appreciative whisper, "You are truly a fuqaha emerging from the brilliant Generation Z!"