The sun had just begun to set in the west when the female students gathered in the courtyard of the Islamic boarding school. Cheers and enthusiastic whispers filled the air, accompanying the excitement leading up to the most anticipated annual event: the Quran Memorization Competition. Aira, who was responsible for ensuring the smooth running of this event, looked busy checking the list of participants and making sure all the equipment was ready.
Zahra stood beside Aira with a big smile, stroking the small book containing her memorization while making witty comments that made her friends laugh. "If I win this competition, the prize shouldn't just be a book! I want a new bicycle!" she said jokingly, making Nisa smile meaningfully from her wise perspective.
Nisa, who had just verified the competition schedule, glanced at Tariqah, a new student sitting in the back row. "Look at her, even though she's new, her enthusiasm is extraordinary. But I'm curious about the secrets of her childhood that she often hides," Nisa whispered softly to Lina. Lina, a young teacher with captivating charisma, replied, "Sometimes, secrets are hidden strengths. We'll see."
In the corner of the library, Syarifah maintained her composure while preparing a collection of ancient books that would serve as supplementary reading material for the participants. Her sharp eyes observed every movement carefully. Something was making her uneasy today, something about the competition prize that had never been clearly revealed.
Ustadzah Hamidah, with her firm authority and fair gaze, walked towards the students. "Remember, it is not only the speed of memorization that is important, but also your understanding and sincerity in practicing the verses of God," she said softly but authoritatively. Everyone listened in silence, feeling a mixture of excitement and hope.
Aira then gathered all the participants for a technical announcement about the competition. "Tomorrow morning, we will start with Surah Al-Baqarah. Each participant will be tested not only on their memorization, but also on the meaning and application in daily life," explained Aira. Tariqah smiled as she looked at Lina, a spark of enthusiasm and a desire to prove herself in her eyes.
However, behind the excitement, Syarifah quietly opened a book that looked worn and rotten, beginning to search for an old story related to this year's mysterious memorization competition prize. What exactly was the hidden prize that had been kept secret all this time?
***
The next morning, the boarding school seemed livelier than usual. The female students had gathered neatly in the main hall, each wearing clean, matching niqab uniforms. Aira stood in front of the committee table, ready to welcome each participant with her warm smile.
Zahra, the mood maker, circled her friends, cracking little jokes to lighten the mood. "If I'm responsible for something, please remind me, okay? I don't want to only half-remember it, but then have a headache later," she said, making some of the students laugh.
Next to her, Nisa paid more attention to the other participants, observing their expressions and body language. She knew that this competition was more than just memorization; it tested the strength of the heart and sincerity. Lina began to lead a short discussion about the meaning of the verses that would be tested, opening up space for interactive dialogue so that the participants could deepen their spiritual understanding.
Tariqah, who was sitting at the end of the row, stared at the competition screen with sparkling eyes, although she looked nervous at times. Lina approached her and gave her gentle encouragement, "Don't be afraid, Tariqah. Remember, your journey is not just about winning or losing, but how you maintain your relationship with Allah through these verses."
Meanwhile, in the library room, Syarifah gazed at the ancient pages of the book she had opened the night before. She found a small note tucked between the pages of the book, containing instructions about a gift that was not an object, but rather knowledge and glory for those who could understand its meaning.
Ustadzah Hamidah appeared at the library door, sighing heavily. "Syarifah, don't dwell too much on the past. But if this is really about the competition prize, we must ensure that it does not distract the students from their main goal, which is to practice the Qur'an," she said firmly.
The competition began. All participants took turns reciting the verses they had memorized fluently. When it was her turn, Tariqah stepped forward with steady steps, her voice trembling slightly at first, but soon flowing smoothly. Her hands occasionally clenched into fists as a sign of the burning passion within her.
At the end of the session, Aira announced a surprise: the grand prize was not just money or goods, but the opportunity to receive intensive guidance directly from Ustadzah Hamidah and experienced ustadz, as well as the mandate to become a messenger of peace and knowledge at the Islamic boarding school and surrounding community.
The atmosphere shifted instantly, a mix of awe and curiosity. Zahra chuckled, "Wow, that's quite a heavy prize. But that's exactly what we need, right?" Nisa nodded firmly, "This hidden prize truly tests our intentions and goals."
Meanwhile, in another corner, Tariqah looked at Aira and Lina with renewed determination. The secrets of her childhood and her life journey seemed to take on new meaning—that memorizing and practicing the Qur'an was the path she must follow wholeheartedly.
***
The atmosphere became more intense as night fell. The contestants gathered in the madrasah hall for a question and answer session and in-depth discussion about the meaning of the verses they had memorized that day. Lina led the dialogue with inspiration, opening the floor for the students to share their understanding and also ask questions about its application in daily life.
Suddenly, everyone's attention turned to Tariqah, who stood up slowly. Her cheerful face turned serious as she began to talk about her life journey. "Since I was little, I often felt different," she said softly, "Not only did I memorize verses, but I also kept a family secret that made me doubt my path."
Everyone fell silent. Aira looked at Tariqah with full attention, while Zahra held back a laugh that was about to escape, seeing the heavy atmosphere. Nisa approached to offer encouragement with a wise gaze, while Syarifah, who was behind the bookshelf, watched with increasingly sharp eyes.
Tariqah continued, "The secret is about my grandmother, who was once a renowned memorizer of the Qur'an, but she had to leave the madrasah because of an incident that was never explained to us. I came here not only for the competition, but also to seek the truth and correct my family's history."
Ustadzah Hamidah stood up, looking at Tariqah warmly yet firmly. "Every journey has its trials, and sometimes secrets are not burdens, but lights that guide us. This boarding school is your home, and we are all here to help you find enlightenment."
Syarifah slowly stepped forward, carrying an old book she had been examining the night before. "I found something," she said, opening a dusty page. "It contains your grandmother's notes that may answer your questions—it is also related to the hidden prize of this memorization competition."
The atmosphere became filled with hope. Aira felt that a major turning point was about to change the understanding of all the contestants, especially Tariqah. Lina stroked her chin and said, "Perhaps this is the time when we not only memorize, but also experience the wisdom behind every verse and story."
That evening ended with a prayer together, strengthening the hearts and spirits of the young students. The hidden gift that began to unfold was not only about knowledge, but also about healing, recognition, and hope for the future.
***
The next day, the atmosphere at the boarding school felt different. The morning light gently illuminated the hall as the students gathered again to hear Syarifah's findings from Tariqah's grandmother's notes. All eyes were on the young woman who now stood at the front, carrying a very fragile old book.
"I have carefully read Tariqah's grandmother's handwriting," Syarifah began her speech in a thoughtful voice. "It turns out that her grandmother was a highly respected hafizhah, not only because of her memorization, but also because of her deep knowledge of fiqh and hadith. However, there was one bitter incident that forced her to leave the boarding school—a conflict related to the application of hadith practice that ultimately led to a major misunderstanding."
Aira, her curiosity overflowing, asked, "What caused that misunderstanding, Syarifah?"
Syarifah lowered her voice, "Tariqah's grandmother tried to change the method of teaching hadith by incorporating more practical applications. But some people considered this too bold and deviant, so she was unofficially exiled. This note also says that her grandmother hoped that the next generation would continue this mission with more wisdom and caution."
Lina added, "This is a big lesson for all of us. Sometimes knowledge is not enough to just memorize, but must also be accompanied by wisdom in its implementation. Well, our competition that tests both understanding and memorization is actually part of the effort to continue the grandmother's struggle."
Zahra, who was usually cheerful, suddenly looked serious. "So, the hidden prize is not just an opportunity to learn, but a kind of mandate, right?"
"That's right," said Ustadzah Hamidah, who suddenly entered the hall. "The prize is a great mandate to maintain the purity and preservation of memorization as well as the real deeds of the verses we memorize. Whoever is chosen will not only be the winner of the competition, but also a warrior of knowledge and charity in the future."
Tariqah bowed her head for a moment, then raised her face. "I feel that this is the path I should take. For my family, for my grandmother, and for myself." Her voice was firm, full of determination.
Nisa looked at her proudly and said, "You are on the right path, Tariqah. And all of us here will support you."
That day, the competition continued with renewed enthusiasm. However, it was not just about who was the fastest or most accurate at memorizing, but how each participant tried to understand and implement the greater values behind the verses.
***
The final night of the competition arrived with a tense atmosphere that could be felt throughout the Islamic boarding school. The participants had reached the final round, and all eyes were on Tariqah, who now stood confidently in front of the judges and audience. The lights in the hall were dimmed, accompanying the rhythmic beating of hearts full of excitement.
Aira, as the event organizer, managed the proceedings with a firm but attentive voice. "This final stage is not just a test of memorization, but also an assessment of understanding the meaning and ability to apply the values of the Qur'an in daily life."
One by one, the participants were called forward to present the meaning of the verses and answer questions from the ustadz and ustadzah. When it was Tariqah's turn, she took a deep breath and began to recite the verse in a melodious and confident voice. After that, she loudly explained the context and wisdom of the verse, relating it to her turbulent life experiences and her journey to find meaning at the Islamic boarding school.
Zahra, sitting in the audience, smiled proudly, offering encouragement with a small clap. "Wow, that was amazing. The dance of words!" she whispered to Nisa.
Nisa nodded, "This isn't just about memorization, but sincerity and depth of knowledge. Tariqah succeeded in showing that."
On the other hand, Lina watched with a look of pride and emotion. "He has truly grown. This hidden gift is not only for Tariqah, but a gift for all of us who believe in the power of knowledge and the heart."
Ustadzah Hamidah then delivered her closing remarks, "This competition has taught us many things. That true memorization is memorization accompanied by understanding and practice. And the trust of this gift is now in the right hands."
When the winner was announced, Tariqah's name was called as the first-place winner. Cheers filled the hall. But more than that, there was emotion and pride because it was not just a personal victory, but also a victory for knowledge, struggle, and healing from the past.
Aira approached Tariqah and hugged her gently. "Congratulations, you are not only the champion, but also the bearer of the pesantren's trust."
Tariqah looked at her friends, "Thank you for your support and trust. This hidden gift is now my new purpose in life—to keep learning, teaching, and serving."
Syarifah smiled meaningfully and said, "The mystery of the gift isn't just out there; it's in the heart of each of us who wants to understand and practice it."
That night, the competition ended with prayers and new hopes, preparing a generation of students who not only memorize verses, but also have the light of knowledge to illuminate the world.