That night, the Islamic boarding school felt unusually quiet. The lights in the hall and study rooms had been turned off, leaving only the dim light from small lanterns along the corridor. Amidst the silence, Syarifah walked slowly toward the old book warehouse located in the far corner of the boarding school, where she usually kept her collection of antique books and rare manuscripts.
Her heart was a little restless tonight, after spending the last few days finding new clues about the secrets of Tariqah's grandmother that were still hanging in her mind. While cleaning the dust on the old wooden shelves, Syarifah accidentally found a small book with a worn leather cover hidden behind a pile of old fiqh books that had not been touched for a long time.
But when she opened the first page, the atmosphere suddenly became tense. A cold wind suddenly blew in from the slightly open window, causing the dry leaves outside to rustle. The light from the lantern swayed, causing the shadows on the wall to move wildly, as if welcoming something invisible.
Suddenly, in the silence, Syarifah felt as if someone was watching her from the corner of the room. Her heart beat faster, and she tried to breathe deeply to stay calm. She decided to close the book for a moment and sit on the warehouse floor, trying to calm herself.
Behind the dark shadows, a nightmare suddenly disturbed her thoughts—a dream about Tariqah's grandmother's turbulent past and the dark secrets that had been hidden behind the cottage's library.
When Syarifah opened the book again, a faint voice sounded like a whisper, bringing a story that had never been revealed before. How could a small book hold a story capable of shaking the tranquility of the boarding school?
Syarifah realized that the nightmare was not just a dream, but an important sign to uncover a secret that could change everything.
***
Syarifah took a deep breath, calming her still-pounding heart. With slightly trembling hands, she opened the first page of the small book. Ancient handwriting filled with faded lines covered the pages, as if carrying a message that had been hidden for decades.
The book recounted the inner turmoil of Tariqah's grandmother in her youth, about pain that had never been revealed. There were stories about her determination to preserve teachings and fight for knowledge despite facing rejection and even ostracism. Tariqah's grandmother was not only a hafizhah, but also a guardian of knowledge who had to fight against forces that sought to bury the truth.
Suddenly, the light of the lantern dimmed slightly, and the shadows around them seemed to dance in the silence. Syarifah felt a chill slowly creeping over her body, as if the promise of last night's nightmare was beginning to come true. In the next page, there was a letter full of secrets containing codes that had to be deciphered so that her grandmother's legacy of knowledge and messages could be passed on to the next generation.
In that precarious situation, the library cell phone Syarifah was holding vibrated. A message came in from Aira:
"I need you to come to the cottage hall immediately. There is something important we need to discuss regarding the old book you found."
Syarifah quickly closed the book and locked the storeroom. She knew that the adventure of discovering the secrets of Tariqah's grandmother's past had just entered a more complicated phase. Last night's nightmare was not just a warning, but a call to uncover the truth that had been hidden all this time.
As she stepped into the hall, Syarifah remembered the words of Ustadzah Hamidah that she often repeated, "Knowledge without wisdom is like water without direction, and secrets are the key to unlocking that wisdom."
In the hall, Aira, Nisa, Lina, and Tariqah were waiting with serious expressions. They all knew that what Syarifah had discovered could be a turning point for the pesantren and for Tariqah's spiritual journey.
The story that had been overlooked for years was now beginning to reveal itself—and Syarifah was preparing to be both a witness and a guardian of the mystery that must not be revealed too soon.
***
In the hall of the Islamic boarding school, a serious atmosphere enveloped the small gathering. Syarifah clutched the ancient book she had just discovered, while Aira, Nisa, Lina, and Tariqah sat in a circle, ready to listen and offer input regarding the secrets that were beginning to unfold.
Aira opened the discussion, "We must be careful. This book not only contains family history, but also clues about spiritual journeys and a great mandate that must be carried on."
Nisa added with a sharp gaze, "There are codes and symbols that we need to understand first. This is not just an ordinary manuscript, but like a map to the truth that could change all our views."
Lina, a charismatic young teacher, began to facilitate the discussion, "What is the first step we should take? We need to form a small team that focuses on studying these writings while carrying out the activities of the cottage."
Tariqah looked tense but remained steadfast. "I feel that this is part of my heritage that I must understand. My grandmother kept many stories that I don't know about, and I am ready to accept whatever the consequences may be."
Syarifah lifted an important part of the book, "There is a note about a secret room in the library that has been hidden all this time. If true, that room holds important documents and artifacts that could help explain the contents of this message."
They began planning their tasks: Nisa and Lina would focus on decoding the codes and symbols, Aira and Tariqah would maintain communication with the boarding school to ensure the plan ran smoothly, while Syarifah would be tasked with researching the library's storage room and searching for the secret room.
Finally, Ustadzah Hamidah appeared with a steady gait. "Be careful with what you are about to open. Great knowledge comes with great responsibility. But rest assured, Allah always gives guidance to His servants who are sincere."
That night, they returned home with minds filled with thoughts and hearts brimming with faith. The nightmare in the old book warehouse was not merely a reminder but also the beginning of a journey that would uncover the mysteries of the past while illuminating the future of the boarding school and its students.
***
The following days at the Islamic boarding school were filled with curiosity and enthusiasm. Led by Syarifah, the small team began to delve deeper into the secrets of the library room mentioned in the ancient book. Armed with clues found in the manuscript, they searched for hidden gaps that had previously escaped their attention.
One afternoon, as the sun began to set, Syarifah found a wooden slab that looked different at the bottom of the ancient book shelf. Carefully, she pressed a secret button hidden behind the simple ornament. There was a soft click, and a wooden panel slowly opened to reveal a narrow, dusty, dark room.
Inside the secret room, they found piles of old documents, scrolls of paper, and a small wooden chest that was tightly locked. Aira immediately led the search of the documents and found important notes containing interpretations and practices of Sharia law that had been forgotten.
However, their excitement was soon marred by a feeling of unease. From outside, heavy footsteps echoed as they approached the library. The students and teachers immediately hid, preparing for possible protection. Who was coming that night, and did they know about the secret that was beginning to unfold?
Meanwhile, Tariqah looked at the small wooden chest with a mixture of curiosity and fear. She knew that whatever was inside the chest would drastically change her life and the boarding school. Ustadzah Hamidah, who suddenly appeared, signaled for everyone to remain calm and wise.
"This secret is a trust we must guard. Do not let the knowledge and wisdom within be misused," she said with caution.
Disaster or blessing? The dilemma loomed at the threshold of the night, while the nightmare in the old book warehouse became more real than they had ever imagined
***
The sound of heavy footsteps grew closer to the library. Aira quickly signaled her friends to remain calm and hide behind the shelves and corners of the room. Their hearts beat fast, ready to face whoever had arrived suddenly in the middle of the night.
When the library door slowly opened, a man dressed in black entered with a cold stare. He turned his head, as if looking for something. Syarifah held her breath as the man stepped closer to the secret room they had just discovered. "Did you call us here?" the man's voice was difficult to understand, but full of menace.
Aira, with the assertiveness that came from her leadership experience, stood up and showed her courage. "If you intend to disturb our cottage and our secrets, you've come to the wrong place. We will protect this knowledge and trust with all our hearts."
The man laughed coldly, then took out a letter containing a warning not to reveal the secrets of the Tariqah. But before he could continue, Nisa suddenly appeared at the door with a firm voice, declaring, "Knowledge and truth must be shared, not hidden in fear."
The tension escalated when the man tried to intimidate them, but Ustadzah Hamidah came from behind with a firm and calm demeanor. "Be careful what you do. We are here to uphold truth and justice. There is no room for threats in this lodge."
Faced with the firm stance of the students and teachers, the mysterious man finally backed down and left a final message, "This is not over. The truth you seek does not come without a price."
After the tension subsided, the small group sat together in the secret room, discussing the contents of the documents and the wooden chest containing scrolls and valuable books. They realized that the secret of Grandmother Tariqah was not only spiritually valuable but also had significant implications for the future of the boarding school.
Tariqah held one scroll and said softly, "This is not just about me or Grandmother; it's about how we uphold our trust and strengthen our faith together."
Ustadzah Hamidah closed the meeting with meaningful advice, "Carry out the trust with a sincere heart. Face challenges with knowledge and patience. For the greatness of knowledge is formed from steadfastness of heart and righteous deeds."
The nightmare in the old book warehouse finally opened the door to a new journey, where secrets, faith, and sacrifice would continue to be tested.