The weekend mornings at Al-Hikmah Islamic Boarding School quickly evolved into a vibrant festival of joy and eager anticipation when a boisterous loudspeaker announcement shattered the peaceful morning silence: "The 2026 Student Action Stage is officially open! This year's exhilarating theme is 'Creative Da'wah.' Each and every class is encouraged to showcase their talents through a drama, a nasyid performance, or an Islamic theater piece. This is not merely a chance to express creativity on stage, but it also holds the thrilling opportunity for the winning class to represent our province at the prestigious national festival in Jakarta!" Instantly, the once tranquil grounds of the boarding school transformed into a bustling hub, overrun by the infectious excitement of the santri, who were now seen darting around energetically, forming groups as they plotted and planned their creative endeavors. Among them, Zahra and her close-knit group of friends—Aira, Nisa, Lina, Salsabila, Salsabi, and Syarifah—found a cozy spot beneath the sprawling branches of a leafy tree, their minds buzzing with strategic plans and dreams of greatness. However, intermingled with their euphoria and enthusiasm for the upcoming challenge, a secret began to unfurl: Sukma, a typically quiet and reserved student from the 10th grade who often preferred solitude over the company of others, suddenly approached them, her face carrying an unusual tension that did not go unnoticed.
With a burst of enthusiasm, Zahra leapt forward, gripping a brightly colored poster tightly in her hands, as if holding onto a beacon of inspiration. "Friends, we from the 11th-grade science class were once the champions of the esteemed Asian MTQ competition—we absolutely have what it takes to win this Action Stage event! How about we embrace Ustadzah Siti's brilliant idea for our drama, focusing on the theme 'Digital Fiqh vs. Tradition'? And we can weave in Salsabila's beautiful nasheed. Aira, we need your skills as the director!" Aira, though her mind swirled with thoughts of her responsibilities in the library, nodded with determination, her confidence shining through. "Absolutely! But let's also integrate an element from MTQ in Egypt: a scene that illustrates ukhuwah, or brotherhood, in Asia. Lina, how about you channel your creativity and design the costumes, incorporating elements of VR and elegant calligraphy?" Lina beamed broadly, her enthusiasm palpable as she replied, "Of course! I can craft a stunning hijab adorned with LED accents, ensuring that it remains sharia-compliant and respectful!"
Nisa, always ready to bring a playful spark to the group, teasingly turned to Sukma with a grin: "Sukma, you're definitely joining us this time, right? I know you have incredible talent in both dancing and acting, yet you always shy away from performing. What makes today different?" Sukma, a slender girl with a simple brown hijab and veil, lowered her gaze, her voice soft and almost hesitant, but carrying unprecedented firmness as she spoke up for the first time. "I... want to join this time. But there's something crucial I need to confess. It was me who spread the rumor about Ustadzah Siti getting divorced yesterday. I felt a pang of jealousy towards Sister Aira, who's seen as a promising candidate for the future post of deputy head. I'm really sorry..." The air around them thickened instantly with surprise, plunging the group into a moment of stunned silence, eyes wide with shock at her unexpected admission.
With compassion swelling within her, Aira stepped closer and enveloped Sukma in a gentle hug, her voice soothing and understanding. "Sukma, I truly appreciate your bravery to be honest about your feelings. This is a significant moment for your heart. Remember our lesson in fiqh: sincere repentance wipes away past mistakes. What if you joined our team and became the lead character in the drama titled 'The Jealous Student Becomes a Friend'? Your honest admission could serve as a powerful plot twist for our performance!" Almost instantly, Zahra clapped her hands in enthusiastic agreement, a bright smile lighting up her face: "What a brilliant idea! Your real-life confession will undoubtedly resonate deeply with the audience!" Salsabila and Salsabi chimed in harmoniously, "We can perform a duet nazid with the title: 'Confession of the Heart'!"
The atmosphere thickened with excitement as preparations ramped up: what had once been an ordinary rehearsal hall transformed into a lively mini-stage, pulsating with life and creativity. Aira, embracing her role as the director, promptly began to direct their efforts: "Alright everyone, let's lay out the scenes: first, we depict Sukma's jealousy and the spreading of rumors. Second, we delve into the intrigue of the library, where hidden truths come to light. And finally, Sukma's powerful confession on stage will culminate in everyone coming together in a heartfelt embrace to symbolize ukhuwah!" Overcome with nerves, Sukma expressed her fears during the rehearsals: "I'm really afraid I might forget my lines. 'Forgive me, my sister... this jealousy actually strengthens my faith.'" Nisa, always perceptive, took on the role of a supportive coach: "Picture it like memorizing for the MTQ competition—the stage should radiate the energy of a mosque, the perfect venue for such an event!" Syarifah thoughtfully added a reference to enrich their narrative depth: "Let's remember Surah Al-Hujurat verse 10 from the Quran: 'Indeed, the believers are brothers.'"
As noon began to approach, the energy of the rehearsal intensified, brimming with a palpable buzz: the costumes, meticulously crafted by Lina and embellished with bright LED accents, began to come alive, while props from the library, such as mini shelves, added layers to their imaginative set design. Meanwhile, sound effects from a mysterious cassette, played through a cell phone, contributed an air of excitement and mystery to the proceedings. Laila, one of the beloved caregivers from Al-Fath, stepped in to witness their delightful preparations: "Wow! Your team's drama is surely going to be a worthy competitor! We plan to perform a duet in the rival drama that will go head-to-head with yours!" Cheers erupted among them, resonating with warmth yet underlined with a strong sense of camaraderie. However, Sukma's personal journey took a poignant turn: during one rehearsal for the confession scene, tears began to flow unrestrained from her eyes as she spoke. "Friends... the rumors I spread emerged from a deeper pain within me. My parents are divorced, and witnessing the harmony in this boarding school fills me with jealousy. That's why I lashed out..." Without hesitation, Lina rushed to comfort Sukma with a warm embrace, saying, "What's in the past remains behind us. Tomorrow, your heartfelt confession will have a powerful impact on everyone in the audience!"
As the late afternoon sun began to dip below the horizon, bringing with it a calming warmth, Ustadzah Siti arrived to check on the children's preparations, her eyes sparkling with encouragement. "Student, your drama is incredibly inspiring! Sukma, are you resolute enough to perform in front of an audience?" Sukma, fueled by newfound determination, nodded earnestly. "InsyaAllah, Ustadzah. This confession is an integral part of my path to repentance." Ustadzah smiled proudly, her heart swelling with hope: "Alhamdulillah. When the stage is set for the performance tomorrow—who knows, your heartfelt revelation could very well become a sensation!"
Under the soft glow of night, just hours before the performance, the team gathered once more to pray together, creating a circle of faith and unity. Zahra, beaming with excitement, said, "Sukma, you'll be the star of our show tomorrow! Your journey from jealousy to ukhuwah is the kind of plot twist that will inspire so many!" For what seemed like the first time, Sukma returned Zahra's smile with confidence, declaring, "I'm ready! This stage will become the authentic confession of my heart."
Finally, the much-anticipated day of the performance arrived, with the stage prepared to serve as a magnificent canvas for a whirlwind of emotions—Sukma's heartfelt confession poised to shake the very foundations of the boarding school and leave an indelible impression on all who were fortunate enough to bear witness…
***
The day that everyone had been anticipating with bated breath for weeks has finally dawned upon us: the stage is now gloriously illuminated under the warm, inviting rays of the bright morning sun, casting a golden hue that enriches the courtyard of the Al-Hikmah Islamic Boarding School, which is bustling and teeming with 500 eager students in attendance. Folding chairs have been meticulously arranged in neat rows, creating a formal yet exuberantly enthusiastic atmosphere that resonates with the excitement of the day ahead. At the forefront stands a grand wooden stage, proudly displaying fineries adorned with exquisite calligraphic curtains that eloquently proclaim the words "Creative Da'wah." The air is electric with the warmth of supportive cheers from family and friends gathered to witness this pivotal event, and as Ustadzah Hamidah steps forward confidently, her voice rings out clearly, welcoming everyone with an assured tone: "Welcome to the 2026 Action Stage! Ten classes will compete today, and the winner will have the distinguished honor of representing our school in the national provincial competition!"
As the anticipation builds, Team Aira-Zahra prepares for their performance, slated to be eighth on the agenda. They stand ready to dazzle the audience, closing the morning session in eye-catching, flashing LED syar'i costumes, complemented by library props crafted into charming miniature shelves, as well as mysterious cassette sound effects that are set to elevate their presentation. Backstage, the air is thick with a concoction of tension and excitement, palpable in the quivering hands of Sukma, who gazes anxiously at the script in her grasp, her breaths coming in short, rapid bursts.
In a moment of reassurance, Aira envelops Sukma in a tight embrace, whispering encouraging words: "Sis, remember all of our rigorous rehearsals leading up to this moment. Your heartfelt confession must resonate with the audience—it should be both rational and genuine; they will surely relate to the fact that jealousy is a very human emotion. Just focus on memorizing scenes 1 and 2 flawlessly, and in the climactic third scene, you have to shine like the star you are. Are you ready for this?" Sukma, with a tremble of both nerves and determination, nods her head affirmatively: "Ready, sis. This stage represents my path toward repentance, a conscious journey away from the destructive paths of gossip and envy, moving instead toward the beautiful notion of sisterhood." Zahra, filled with optimism, adds, "And at the finale, we will perform a melodious nasheed duet, harmonizing perfectly with Laila's stunning voice, bringing a splash of color to the musical atmosphere in this special cottage!"
Nisa, focused and diligent, checks the microphone's functioning: "Lina's LED effects are operational, and the sound from Syarifah's cassette is primed and ready to go. Lina, please ensure that the light-up costume you're wearing is secure so that it doesn't short circuit!" With enthusiasm bubbling over, Lina eagerly checks the buttons, exclaiming, "Alright, it's all set, 'Alhamdulillah'!" Meanwhile, Salsabila and Salsabilah engage in a warm-up routine, singing the nasheed: "Envious hearts can become friends..."
Tension rises as the stage is opened by another class performing a poignant drama centered on floods representing life's trials, which garners loud cheers and appreciation from the audience. Their performance is swiftly followed by Al-Fath's stirring nasheed that captivates listeners, earning them enthusiastic applause. Finally, it is Team Aira's moment to shine: as the spotlight bathes the stage in vibrant light, the gentle strains of the nasheed music begin to play softly, creating a welcoming atmosphere that immerses the audience in the unfolding narrative presented by Aira: "From jealousy and gossip to ukhuwah—the heartfelt journey of the students at this Islamic boarding school!"
In Scene 1, Sukma, overwhelmed by feelings of jealousy, takes center stage, spreading disheartening rumors about Ustadzah Siti in a WhatsApp group while feigning innocence. Zahra, presented as the victim of these unfounded rumors, passionately exclaims, "Why must there be gossip that seeks to sabotage a teacher's marriage? Jealousy is undeniably the greatest adversary of our da'wah!" As the tension swells, the audience collectively holds its breath, captivated by the unfolding drama.
Scene 2 transports the audience to the enigmatic atmosphere of the library—the mini shelves dramatically open, and the haunting cassette begins playing, echoing Ustadz Hasyim's profound message: "Future students, ukhuwah is the key to unity..." Aira discovers a blue book and inquisitively ponders aloud, "Could I possibly become the deputy head?" The listeners' cheers reverberate, reigniting discussions about the rumors that have been swirling around.
As we reach Scene 3, the apex of emotional intensity unfolds before us: Sukma bravely steps forward to the center of the stage, clutching the microphone in her trembling hands, while LED lights illuminate her figure in a soft pulsating rhythm. "My fellow student... I am Sukma. I am indeed the one who succumbed to spreading the harsh rumor about Ustadzah Siti's supposed divorce. My heart was consumed with jealousy seeing Sister Aira, who basked in the glory of becoming the MTQ champion, while my own home lay precariously close to collapse due to my parents' divorce... Please forgive me. This confession is my earnest act of repentance—let us come together and invest in building strong brotherhood!" Tears cascade down Sukma's cheeks, spilling emotions that resonate with the audience, leaving the room enveloped in a heavy silence before it erupts into a thunderous applause, culminating in a standing ovation that reverberates throughout the hall!
Ustadzah Siti takes to the stage following the heartfelt moment, enveloping Sukma in a warm embrace: "Insya Allah, your sincere repentance is accepted, dear child. My marriage has found its salvation thanks to the prayers that all of you have showered upon us." She conveys further encouragement to her students, reminding them, "You are all extraordinarily talented, and Sukma's heartfelt confession has served as a valuable reminder for me to reconnect and communicate with my husband." The event reaches its climax with a final nasheed performed passionately by Salsabila, in a delightful duet with Laila, whose concluding lyrics echo beautifully: "Confession of the heart, a new brotherhood is formed... from jealousy to eternal connection!" As they sing, the LED effects explode into a spectacular array of colors, illuminating the joy of the moment.
As the event draws to a close, Ustadzah Hamidah joyously announces the winner: "First place goes to Class 11 IPA with their powerful play 'Pengakuan Sukma'! You will be representing our province at the national level in Jakarta next month!" Cheers of joy erupt from the crowd, met with heartfelt hugs exchanged among the entire team. Sukma clutches Aira tightly, tears of happiness streaming down her face: "Sis... thank you for believing in me and allowing me to showcase my talents on this stage. My heart feels incredibly light now." Zahra, with fervor, whispers an encouraging message to Sukma, "You, the star of this stage, have touched hearts! The national competition is waiting for the awe-inspiring performance that lies ahead!" Laila, overflowing with excitement, joins in to celebrate, "Our united team has triumphed once again—this harmonious effort has indeed been something extraordinary!"
After the formalities of the event, a small yet joyful celebration unfolds backstage, filled with laughter and camaraderie. Ustadzah Nurul approaches Aira, quietly sharing surprising news that stirs Aira's heart: "Your drama has gained incredible traction and gone viral on WhatsApp. Moreover, there's a thrilling invitation from national television for you to perform in Jakarta... Are you prepared for this?" Aira bites her lip, emotions swirling within her as she feels a mixture of excitement and tension: "I am ready, Ustadzah! This acknowledgment for Sukma could potentially pave the way for even greater opportunities for da'wah and positively impact many lives…"