Kolkata, 4 Ramadan 1445 H
Sadiqah (19) POV
Today I woke up earlier than usual. Today I must get up in front of mom and grandma. Usually I get up at 4 am to help mom, and grandma prepare the sahur menu. And today I plan to prepare my own sahur menu. I was not sleepy even though yesterday I slept later than usual. Today's sahur menu is bread and vegetable beans. I prepare this because this is Grandma’s favorite food. No matter how angry my grandmother was, she would always be persuaded by bread and peanut butter. Also, this is a form of apology to my grandmother for last night's incident. I intend to prepare a special sahur menu for grandparents. When the bean vegetables I cooked were still on the stove, while I was done making bread, it was then that mom and grandma suddenly walked into the kitchen.
"What are you doing Sadiqah?" Grandma asked me.
"I am cooking." I answered.
"What are you cooking?" Grandma asked again.
"It's nothing Grandma. Just a simple menu." I answered.
"It smells like ---" the grandmother interrupted.
"I'm cooking bread, and Grandma's favorite bean vegetable." I said.
It is already known what it can do. Better just say so.
"Why did you make it?" Grandma asked me.
"Because grandma loves this food. Grandma will immediately melt when treated this food. I made your mood worse yesterday, so I thought of preparing this food as a form of my apology. Grandma, I'm sorry." I answered.
"You don't have to do that. Grandma is not angry with you. Last night you just advised Grandma, you should not be punished for that but praised. As a grandmother, I should be more mature but I can not set a good example for you. Thank you Sadiqah has become my proud granddaugther." Grandma said.
"Are you really not mad at me?" I asked, excited.
"How many times do you have to explain it to you?" The grandmother asked again.
"Then, let's taste the bread I made. Mom too, taste the bread I made." I said as I cut the bread and prepared to give it to my mom and grandma, but I pulled my hand away before they ate it, because I remembered something.
"Wait a minute, read what before eating?" I said
"Bismillahirrahmanirrahim" said mother and grandmother.
After that I immediately fed my mother and grandmother. Mom, and grandma look very happy now. Sometimes happiness is found in simple things. I promise to make my family happy no matter what.
"Very good, Sadiqah." Praise mom.
"Thank you mom." I said.
"Whatever you do is delicious, Sadiqah." Grandma said.
"Mom, and grandma are the best at praising. Mom, grandma, because you have praised me, you must pray for blessings for me." I said.
"May God bless every meal you make and every person who eats it." Mother and grandmother said simultaneously.
"Thank you mom, grandma. I've heard that prayers at sahur are never rejected." I said.
"But grandma is sad." Grandma said.
"Why Grandma, is there a problem?" I asked worriedly.
"I was just thinking about the fate of the fish I bought yesterday. Actually I want to make your favorite fried fish. But you have made another menu, namely bread, even though the fish only fits the rice. Moreover, the fish should not be left too long, it tastes not tasty." Grandma answered.
"Calm down Grandma. I have a way out for this. Grandma, fry the fish now, then give it to the neighbors who are not fasting." I said.
"Looks like your idea is very good. Thank you my granddaugther." Grandma said.
After that, my mother and I prepared the cutlery, and the menu was on the dining table while Grandma was frying fish in the kitchen. Once everything was done, we served food at the dining table. Then we closed the food, because we would take a shower before eating sahur while waiting for cold food. 15 minutes later, we met again at the dining table to eat together.
Author POV
The the dawn call to prayer echoed shortly after the Sadiqah Family finished eating sahur. They also rushed to perform qabliyah prayers at dawn 2 rak'ahs followed by congregational dawn prayers. They prayed after greeting, reciting morning remembrance, and reciting 20 verses of the Qur'an after prayers. Time passed so fast, it was already 06.30, Sadiqah had to get ready to go to campus.
Salamah (40) POV
I do not know what mother will do. I only knew that my mother wanted me to come to her room after I had a brief chat with Sadiqah this morning. A conversation that could change my mood today. I walked to my mother's room to meet my mother's request. Looks like I was waiting for mom at the door of the room.
"Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh, mother." I said.
"Wa'alaikum salam warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. Enter Salamah." Mom answered.
"Do you need something?" I am asking.
"I want to talk to you, Salamah." Mom answered.
"Yes mother, I will listen to you." I said again.
"I have heard your conversation with Sadiqah. I know you are disappointed with Sadiqah's question today. But she is completely innocent. She has the right to know about it. Sooner or later she will also know the truth, so I think it is time you told the truth to Sadiqah . that you have been hiding. Or you will not be able to face Sadiqah, when she knows the truth from others. Salamah, do not you love Sadiqah? So do not hurt her with a lie. Do not punish Sadiqah for the mistakes of others.” Mother said trying to convince me.
I tried to digest my mother's words. But I admit that what the mother said was true, now it is time for me to tell the truth to Sadiqah.
"Yes, mother it is right. When I am with her I will tell her." I said.
"Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh." Greetings Sadiqah from outside the room.
"Wa'alaikum salam warahmatullahi wabarakatuh." My mother and I answered.
I immediately got up from my seat and opened the door for Sadiqah.
"Sadiqah, you look sad. What happened?" I am asking.
"My lecturer will be staying at her husband's house in Lucknow. Today is the last day she will be a lecturer at the university where I studied." Sadiqah replied.
"So that's why you're sad?" I am asking
"No mother, only I already consider my lecturer as my own aunt. Oh yes mother, I want to ask you something." Sadiqah replied.
"Say, daughter. Insyaa Allah, the mother will fulfill it if it does not violate sharia law." I answered.
"Calm down mom. I will not ask anyone like that. I just want you to pray that I will be made easier in today exam." Said Sadiqah.
"Mother always prays that you will be made easier in facing every test not only in the examination of learning materials but also the test of life. You know, child, the test of life is much more important than the test of learning materials. so that you remain steadfast in faith and truth in every trial of life you face. "I said.
"Mother ---" Sadiqah said with tears in her eyes as she was touched by my words.
She hugged me tightly. This is Sadiqah's habit. She always hugged me when she was happy for something. Sadiqah is my daughter who is very cheerful, and very close to me.
"I hope you don't hug the electric pole when you're happy." I said.
"Are you kidding? Grandma look at mom, mom made my habit as a joke. Then I will hug you." Sadiqah said with displeasure.
She let go of her hug to me and turned to hug my mother. I also include 2 precious things in my life, namely my mother and my daughter. So the three of us hugged.
"Let your mother joke with you Sadiqah. Because the chances for that will be reduced when you get married later. I am sure you will really miss your moment with your mother after you get married later." Mom said.
"That will not happen. Because I will take care of my mother close to me even though I am married. We may live in different places, but all your values, teachings, upbringing, advice, memory, and love will remain close to my heart and will always be there. "Sadiqah said confidently.
Mother rubbed the top of Sadiqah's head gently and lovingly.
"Mom, grandma, I let you go to college now." Permission Sadiqah.
"Yes, daughter. Seek knowledge that produces fear and love for Allah SWT, makes the heart submissive or devout to Allah and feels humiliated in front of Him and always acts awkward, makes the soul always feel enough (kanaah) with halal things even a little. May God always protect you and make it easy for you to do good. "I said.
"Yes mom. I will always remember your advice." Said Sadiqah.
"We, will take you forward." I said.
"Bismi l-lâhi, tawakkaltu 'alâ l-lâhi, wa lâ hawla wa lâ quwwata illâ bi-l-lâhi.
In the name of God (I came out). I put my trust in Him, and have no strength and power except for the help of Allah "Sadiqah Prayer in my heart.
My mother and I brought Sadiqah to the front of the house.
"Wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh." Sadiqah said while kissing my hand and then my mother's hand.
"Wa'alaikum salam warahmatullahi wabarakatuh." My mother and I answered.
I watched my daughter go from behind. I can understand her sadness when the lecturer left, because all this time the lecturer always supported her whenever there was a problem on campus. Sadiqah was so close to the lecturer that she considered her to be her own mother's d. My mother and I entered the house again. As I passed Sadiqah's room, I saw that the door was not locked. Maybe he forgot to lock the room door. As I was about to close the room door, I saw Sadiqah's mukena the floor and just on the mat. Maybe she forgot to fold her mukena after the duha prayer. Because I remember correctly that Sadiqah always prays Duha and she has tidied up her mukena after the dawn (subuh) prayers. I immediately tidied up Sadiqah's face, and put it back in the closet. After that I left Sadiqah's room, and did not forget to lock the door.
* Grandfather Daud's residence *
Ruqayyah, and her father were chatting in the living room. Suddenly, grandmother Pakizah came and interrupted their conversation.
"Why do you think too long, Salman. Sooner or later she will know the truth. Your father will not tell you anything, Ruqayyah. Do one thing, get out Ruqayyah, your grandfather is back from Jaipur. He will answer your questions. ” Said Pakizah's grandmother while holding Ruqayyah's cheek lovingly.
Ruqayyah looked happy as she would get an answer to her question.
"Right, grandma? I'll will welcome him." Ruqayyah said happily.
Grandpa Daud sat in the living room. Ruqayyah came to serve drinks for her grandfathe, as Grandpa Daud had just taken a safari so he did not fast. Mr. Salman, and Grandma Pakizah also came to the living room.
"Please have a drink, grandpa." Said Ruqayyah.
"Thank you Ruqayyah. You are indeed the best grandchild." Said grandfather Daud.
"Welcome, grandpa." Said Ruqayyah.
"How are you Salman?" Daud's grandfather asked his son.
"I'm fine, father." Mr. Salman replied.
"What about our store?" Grandpa Daud asked.
"Everything is fine, trade is also going well." Mr. Salman replied.
"Grandpa, how was your grandfather's trip?" Ruqayyah asked.
"I had an excellent trip." Answer grandfather Daud.
"Your granddaugther is waiting, now tell her. Daughter, your grandfather is preparing to marry you off soon. You have been looking for a life partner." Said Pakizah's grandmother, touching Ruqayyah's cheek.
Ruqayyah blushed.
"You need not be ashamed, Ruqayyah." Said Grandma Pakizah.
"We got a proposal for Ruqayyah. When we lived in Khasmir, we had an old neighbor named Mr. Abdurrahman. Mr. Abdurrahman had 3 sons. His eldest son was married. Mr. Abdurrahman proposed to Ruqayyah for his youngest son." Said grandfather Daud.
"This is good news, Dad. Do you have their address? I want to get to know their family." Said Mr. Salman.
"Their family is in Kolkata for a while. They live in house No. 32 Basurimansur Rajaratraw.
"You've got your answer, right, Ruqayyah. Now that you're ready, it's time for you to go to campus." Said Grandma Pakizah.
Ruqayyah walked a few steps away from the living room.
"Ruqayyah wait. You will get married, if you have something or doubt, you just say it. Because you have no other chance." Said Mr. Salman as a good guardian.
"There is no father. In this house you all always take care of me. I do not feel lacking in anything. My life, and my future you all decide. And all my future will always be so good. And I am sure, what will be determined by the grandfather for my future good for me. And I will not reject it." Said Ruqayyah, who is actually a child who obeys her parents.
Grandfather Daud, Mr. Salman, and grandmother Pakizah smiled happily and proud to hear Ruqayyah's answer.
"Good my granddaughter. You consider our happiness as your own happiness. Pakizah, today you have proven that you are not only a good grandmother but a good mother. Your daughter-in-law died when Ruqayyah was 5 years old and you can replace her role as a mother of Ruqayyah very well.. "Datuk Da said ud.
"Ruqayyah, get ready, it's time for you to go to campus. Come on." Pakizah's grandmother's words reminded Ruqayyah.
Ruqayyah (19) POV
I am still in the university yard. I walked half-run because soon the bell rang. I heard the sound of a bicycle brake pad rubbing a bicycle wheel, maybe that was Sadiqah. I immediately approached Sadiqah, who was busy parking her bike.
"Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh." I said from behind Sadiqah.
"Wa'alaikum salam warahmatullahi wabarakatuh." Answer Sadiqah, and others who heard it.
Sadiqah looked back.
"What's wrong Ruqayyah? You need something Ruqayyah?" Sadiqah asked.
"Speed up your movement, Sadiqah. Soon the bell for the class will ring." I said.
Suddenly the bell rang.
Sadiqah and I walked halfway to our class. Our classroom doors are not closed as if waiting for someone to arrive. My heart trembled when I saw Mrs. Sarsmista had entered the classroom. Today was not as normal as it used to be, Mrs. Sarsmista looked at me, and Sadiqah very much made me feel uncomfortable. Probably because we were late for class.
"Sadiqah, and Ruqayyah put your beg in your seat." Mrs. Sarsmista said before we said anything, we have not even apologized.
Sadiqah and I went straight to our seats, and put down our bags as ordered by Mrs. Sarsmista.
"Sadiqah, Ruqayyah, you two are late for class, right?" Mrs. Sarsmista asked Sadiqah and Ruqayyah.
"Yes ma'am, forgive us. We promise not to do it again." I said, and Sadiqah.
"Since you two are too late, you two must replace me teaching today." Said Mrs. Sarsmista.
"But Ma'am, the appropriate punishment for the two of them is not allowed to participate in the studies, examinations and cleaning of this university garden. Why do you give them the punishment that is actually their job as assistant lecturers?" Geet protests one of our friends.
"Yes, we agrees with Geet." Asta said.
"What is the advantage of giving such a punishment. Such punishment will only take away my purpose of teaching and the purpose of their learning. Actually their delay does not affect my teaching activities then why I must interfere with their learning activities. Mothers will only be selfish by doing it. Geet, learn respect the decisions of others. " Said Mrs. Sarsmista.
I could see the uneasiness in Geet's expression upon hearing Mrs. Sarsmista's explanation. It seems that our other friends did not dare to add what Geet said after hearing Mrs. Sarsmista's explanation.
"What material should we teach today, mother?" Sadiqah asked.
"Because today is the last day I teach, today's agenda is to repeat the material I have explained for the past 2 years." Said Mrs. Sarsmista.
"All right, ma'am." I said, and Sadiqah as she advanced, and faced my friend to teach.
"Friends, today we will repeat the material that has been taught by Mrs. Sarsmista 2 years ago. First of all, we will repeat the basic material of biomedical. Friends, please note the following presentation ....." Sadiqah said starting the Learning activity .
In the meantime, I was getting ready for the show. We started re-explaining the material over 2 years ago. Sadiqah and I spoke in turn. We tried to explain it well even though I knew that only a small number of female students were interested in our explanation. We memorized the expressions of our friends during the lesson so that we did not mind. Meanwhile, Mrs. Sarsmista listened carefully to what we explained from beginning to end. We are relieved, there are still people who are willing to listen to our explanation. We feel appreciated. Honestly, this is not once or twice for us to explain the lecture material, given our status as teaching assistants. Therefore, we will not feel nervous or insecure when speaking in public. Because of that time we have passed. We are both very grateful that we managed to repeat the lecture material over the past 2 years in 2 hours without losing important things.
"..... Is the material unclear? Do you have any questions related to the material?" Sadiqah asked after we finished explaining.
After so long we waited no one asked.
"Well, it looks like no one asked. Just our explanation, if there are any of our words that do not please our friend, we apologize. Thank you for your attention." I said, and Sadiqah closed the first hour of study.
Mrs. Sarsmista got up from her seat, and approached us as soon as we closed the lesson. Sh took turns hugging us. After that she turned to face our friend.
"Do you know why I hugged them?" Mrs. Sarsmista asked.
"Because you want to." Ishani answered one of our friends.
"Because this is the last day you see them." Answer Ishita, one of our friends.
"Because they are your favorite student." Geet replied.
"Do you know why I love them?" Mrs. Sarsmista asked.
"We don't know why, ma'am." Geet replied.
"Because they are diligent students, honestly respect others, have high social awareness, independence, responsibility and many other reasons. Do you know why Sadiqah and Ruqayyah are late for class today? Do you also know the reason I gave restrictions? normal for them? "asked Mrs. Sarsmista.
"No, Ma'am." Answer our friends simultaneously.
"In all things, we should prioritize being kind to others. Why are you so happy that both are punished but none of you ask their reason? This morning Sadiqah, and Ruqayyah went to the hospital before going to university because they helped the victims accident.” Said Mrs. Sarsmista.
I was shocked to hear Mrs. Sarsmista's testimony. How does Mrs. Sarsmista know if we help the accident victims this morning?
"Sorry ma'am, how do you know that?" I asked, and Sadiqah was not united.
"I went to the hospital this morning. I saw you." Reply Mrs. Sarsmista.
"You know kids, discipline is no more important than empathy. You'd better be late to help people in need than you come on time but let people in need of your help. You might be jealous of both of them because mom loves them so much but that is not a reason for you to be unfair to them.You may have different beliefs, views and ways of life but you must still respect them. Just because they are different from us does not mean their beliefs, views and way of life are wrong. Learn to be considerate. Try to get to know them better, do not judge them by their appearance only. Now is the time for the test to begin." Said Mrs. Sarsmista.
"Aren't you going to leave at 11 am? Who will oversee the exam if you are not there?" Asta asked.
"Sadiqah, and Ruqayyah who will oversee the examination process." Reply Mrs. Sarsmista.
"But Ma'am, don't Sadiqah and Ruqayyah also take tests like us how can they monitor the examination process?" Reema asked.
"They both completed the exam before you started the exam. They have explained the material I have taught for the last 2 years without leaving out the important things. Actually, the oral test is more reliable than the written exam. Sadiqah, Ruqayyah please carry out my order correctly." Said Mrs. Sarsmista.
"Yes mom." Me, and Sadiqah said briefly.
"I believe in you. This is the exam paper. Once the exam is over, please submit the exam paper to Mrs. Sonarika, she is your lecturer who has just replaced me so she will evaluate your exam." Said Mrs. Sarsmista as she handed over a stack of examination papers, and Sadiqah.
"See you. Take care of yourself." Mrs. Sarsmista said to all the students in the class where I am standing now. After that Mrs. Sarsmista left our class.
Sadiqah and I distributed the test papers to our friends one by one.
"Sadiqah, you watch the front row, I will watch the back row." I said to Sadiqah.
"Yes Ruqayyah." Sadiqah replied.
Sadiqah and I carried out our respective duties. This time the test went well, although I noticed that Ishani, Ishita and Geet too often looked to their right and left. But I am sure they can not cheat because the question is made at random for each participant. Finally the exam is over after an hour has passed. Sadiqah and I were getting ready to take each participant's answer sheet. Everyone has sent their answer sheets except Geet.
"Geet, please submit your answer sheet." Said Sadiqah.
"Wait a minute Sadiqah. I have not finished filling out my data." Kata Geet.
"Yes Geet, I will wait for you. Next time do not forget to fill in your personal data before taking the exam." Said Sadiqah.
While Geet was filling in the data, Sadiqah and I checked the personal data on the answer sheet that our friends had sent us. We forgot to watch Geet. As Geet handed over the answer sheet, something surprising happened because there was a small piece of paper with a note underneath it. Maybe Geet meant to cheat, but we got caught.
"Geet, after we hand over this answer sheet to Mrs. Sonarika, we want to talk to you." Said Sadiqah.
Maybe Sadiqah deliberately did not reveal Geet's dishonesty in front of her friends so that she would not feel embarrassed. After that we immediately went to the lecturer's room to hand over the examination answer paper to Mrs. Sonarika. We continued back to class after that, we immediately found Geet alone in class. Geet will indeed talk to us at this time, unlike other friends they can rush to the canteen as they also do not fast Ramadan. We immediately sat down near Geet's seat.
"Geet, can you explain What is this ?" Sadiqah asked while showing a small piece of paper with a note under Geet's answer sheet.
"I do not know, I did not write it." Geet replied.
Surprisingly, though, we have matched Geet's handwriting on the answer sheet with the writing on the previous notepad and the results match perfectly. This confirms my suspicion that Geet is hiding something. That means Geet cheated on the exam.
"You don't have to cover it Geet, we already know." I said.
"What do you mean?" Geet asked.
"Geet, tell us the truth. We promise none of our friends will know about this." Said Sadiqah.
"Yes Geet, we promise." I said.
"Actually, I made a note. I took the exam by looking at the note. I had no other choice because I could not understand the material well." Geet said with a scared face.
"What material do you not understand, Geet? We will explain it to you. But you must promise that you will never do this again." Said Sadiqah.
"Are you ready to spend time with me?" Geet asked.
"Of course Geet. If we are not ready why do we make this offer?" I said trying to convince Geet.
"All right, I accept your offer. I promise I will not repeat it again but you must also promise to keep your promise." Kata Geet.
"Yes, we promise that none of our friends will know this." Said Sadiqah.
"Well, we will explain all the learning materials to you during the break." I said.
"All right, let's start today." Geet said excitedly.
"No Geet, you went to the canteen you haven't eaten yet right?" Said Sadiqah.
"I ate when you handed over the exam answer sheets to Mrs. Sonarika." Kata Geet.
"There is no way you can eat that fast." I said.
"I ate a sandwich, Ruqayyah. I did not eat rice today." Kata Geet.
"All right Geet, get your book ready. And note whatever we say." Said Sadiqah.
Geet prepares the book. Sadiqah and I decided what Geet should write. Sadiqah and I just realized today that Geet took a long time to write. Apparently the reason Geet had trouble learning was because she needed a long time to write, so she was unable to note all the important things explained by the lecturer. In addition, Geet also looks lethargic and sweaty. Geet's stomach throbbed to indicate that she had not eaten.
"You can't deny it anymore Geet. You haven't eaten yet, right? You better eat in the canteen, so you can focus on studying." Said Sadiqah.
"Isn't this a good opportunity to start studying? Besides, I never ate breakfast and just started studying." Geet asked.
"Fulfill your rights Geet. We know how hungry it feels, so we don't want anyone hungry because of us." I said.
"Yes Geet, let alone a break. Only 30 minutes. So make the most of this time." Said Sadiqah.
After that Geet went to the canteen and left me alone with Sadiqah. I can speak freely with Sadiqah now.
Author of POV
Some time after Geet's departure, there was still silence between Sadiqah and Ruqayyah. Both Sadiqah and Ruqayyah are still struggling with their own thoughts. And still confused from where to start the conversation. Sadiqah remembered what happened this morning.
Flashback:
Sumayyah's grandmother had left a special place to worship in their house. Only Sadiqah and Mrs. Salamah stayed in the room. Sadiqah and Puan Salamah chatted while tidying up their faces.
"Mom, do I have something to ask?" Sadiqah asked her mother.
"Just asking." Reply Mrs. Salamah.
"Why did Ruqayyah's grandmother and grandmother quarrel? I have been asking this for years, and every time I ask you to be quiet. The problem was never as bad as yesterday, ma'am. I just want to know what the problem is. I beg you, please let me know." Said Sadiqah.
"How many times have I said, you have no right to interfere in your mother's affairs. You do not understand? This is the last time, you should not ask your mother or grandmother about this problem again. In your life you are given freedom but that does not mean you can ask that we have it. "replied Mrs. Salamah.
Sadiqah did not think her mother would act like that. But that convinced Sadiqah that there was a big problem between the two families.
"Sorry mom, I won't do it again." Said Sadiqah.
"Sadiqah, get ready soon. It's time for you to go to campus." Said Mrs. Salamah as she walked out of the prayer room because Mrs. Salamah had finished smoothing her face.
"All right mom. If you don't want to tell me, I'll find out for myself." Batin Sadiqah while following Mrs. Salamah from behind.
Flashback complete
Ruqayyah also remembered what happened this morning.
Flashback:
Ruqayyah and Mr. Salman are in the family room. Mr. Salman sat on the sofa while pouring tea into his cup. Meanwhile Ruqayyah stood right in front of Mr. Salman.
"Dad, there must be an excuse to fight like this, right? Isn't it not good for us to hurt each other like this?" Ruqayyah asked her father.
"Ruqayyah, could you be friends with Sadiqah? Do not know what you asked me." Said Mr. Salman.
"Our father is not a friend, we are just neighbors. And we do not know when we will be friends. And whatever happens, I do not want that to happen to our next family, father. Dad please tell me what is wrong?" Said Ruqayyah.
Mr. Salman was silent on Ruqayyah's question.
Flashback complete
"Sadiqah, we must immediately make plans to reconcile our two families. Or we will not be able to complete this task." Said Ruqayyah.
"What's wrong Ruqayyah, why are you rushing like this? We have to think about this plan very carefully. And we also have to prepare a proposal plan if our first plan does not work." Said Sadiqah.
"Sadiqah, I will not have much time. I will probably get married soon." Said Ruqayyah.
"Really Ruqayyah, this is very happy news. Who is that lucky person, Ruqayyah?" Sadiqah asked while hugging Ruqayyah, as if she had heard the news of her own sister's marriage.
"I do not know Sadiqah yet. My grandmother told me that my future husband's family will meet me today. Maybe I will know him today. Only my grandfather knew my future husband's family. My grandfather and my future husband's family used to be neighbors . " Said Ruqayyah.
"That means your father also doesn't know the young man?" Ask Sadiqah to make sure.
"Ya Sadiqah." Said Ruqayyah.
"Will you accept this proposal Ruqayyah?" Sadiqah asked again.
"I believe in my grandfather's choice, Sadiqah. My grandfather will choose something good for me. My grandfather is more mature and more experienced than I am, so I have to respect his decision." Said Ruqayyah.
"You must try to identify the young man first. Allah SWT said:
al-khobiisaatu lil-khobiisiina wal-khobiisuuna lil-khobiisaat, wath-thoyyibaatu lith-thoyyibiina wath-thoyyibuuna lith-thoyyibaat, ulaaaʻika mubarroʻuuna mimmaa yaquuluun, lahum maghfirotuw wa rizqung kariim
"Evil women are for bad men, and vile men are for bad women (too), while good women are for good men, and good men for women. - Good women (also). They are clean from what people accuse them. They have received forgiveness and a glorious sustenance (paradise). "
(Surah An-Nur 24: Verse 26)
You remember the words of the Prophet to the female guardian:
"When someone comes to you who you are happy with his religion and morals (to propose to your woman) then you should marry him to your woman. Otherwise, there will be slander on earth and damage." [HR. At-Tirmidhi no. 1085 hasan]
You should know the quality of the young man's religion first, you can not say "yes". Because the Prophet also said that the husband is heaven and hell the wife. So I hope you can make the right decision for your own life. "Sadiqah said.
"So what do I need to do?" Said Ruqayyah.
"Ask your father for time to get to know the young man in more depth. You must know the religious and moral qualities of the young man." Sadiqah replied.
"I can't do that Sadiqah. Because we are not mahrams." Said Ruqayyah.
"You can ask your father's help to find out the religious and moral qualities of the young man." Sadiqah explained.
"How to ?" Ruqayyah asked again.
