Original subtitles

- Peace be upon you. - Peace be upon you too.

Honey, wait.

Was that Ustadz Furqon and Ustadzah Amira who just passed by?

- Yes, that's them. - Wow, they look great together.

They're the dream couple, right?

- We'll be going now. - Sure.

Take care.

- Peace be upon you. - You too.

- Peace be upon you. - You too.

- Peace be upon you. - You too.

Peace be upon you, Ustadz.

May God bless you both and bring you together in goodness.

Praise be to God. Amen.

Congratulations.

May your marriage be blessed. Amen.

Amen. May ours be just like yours.

One, two…

Make sure you eat, okay?

- Congratulations. - Amira.

Ma'am.

Sir.

I want a divorce.

What?

AL-HIKMAH GIRLS' DORMITORY

AL-HIKMAH GIRLS' GRADUATION CEREMONY 2023

- It feels so good to finally graduate! - I know!

- From 1 to 10, how happy are you today? - Eleven!

- Eleven? Why? - Because I'm going to college soon.

- We're going to college together! - Dara, can I take a photo?

It's for next week's magazine.

- Sure. - Okay.

- Ready? One, two… - Look at Dara.

She's beautiful and a top student. She'll definitely be snatched up first.

Says who?

Look at her face. It's like God himself sculpted it.

All women are beautiful, Wati.

Who knows? Maybe we'll get "snatched up" first.

"Snatched up"? We just graduated.

Most people want to be comedians, start a band or become vice president.

- Vice president? - But you just want to be...

Wati, I just want to be a good wife like my mother.

Don't you want that too?

Or are you going to be a rebellious wife?

Me? First come, first served.

Soulmate, I'm coming!

Good grief!

Wati.

My goodness.

Amira, help me.

- He's coming this way. - Really?

What do I do?

- Why did you throw your certificate? - I'm sorry, Ustadz, but…

CERTIFICATE OF GRADUATION

HOW TO BE A GOOD WIFE

Just a second, Mom.

What happened?

You said you wanted to learn how to cook,

- and now it's "just a second"? - Mom.

Mom! I got accepted!

Thank God!

Congratulations!

Oh, my God, my daughter!

Hey, what's going on?

Your daughter got accepted into UMM's Faculty of Psychology.

Wait, don't move.

Thank God!

- Congratulations, dear. - Thank you, Dad.

Now, about this…

What is it?

- Come here. - What is it?

This is thanks to how you raised her.

Someone wants to propose to you, dear.

Dad, wait.

- I'm just about to start college. - I know.

You can't get married during class.

If you want, get married after class.

- Honey. - What?

Stop joking.

So, your mother and I want to set you up with Ustadz Furqon.

He is Haji Imron's son.

Yes, his son. Not the father. I'd kick the father out.

Dad, Mom, let's be serious for a second.

- You want to set me up? - Yes.

Do you know him?

He's the advisor of the boarding school's magazine.

That's the one.

But there's no pressure.

- If you don't want to, it's fine. - Dad, it's not that…

So you do want to. She wants to, honey!

Coincidentally, the whole family is coming over next week.

Hang on, honey.

- What's wrong? - Slow down.

Your daughter is still in shock.

Dear, think it over carefully.

Whatever your decision is, your father and I will support you.

- Right, honey? - Yes.

As long as your answer is yes.

Dad!

- Peace be upon you. - Peace be upon you too.

Thank God, our guests are finally here.

Thank God.

Please, come in.

Arranged marriage has been our family tradition for generations.

Even if people call it old-fashioned, there's wisdom in it, God willing.

Two months ago, Furqon's sister

told us there was a candidate for him.

As soon as we heard it was Amira, it just clicked for us.

We all agreed.

We hope this marriage

strengthens the bond between our families.

- What's that? - This?

This means "strong bond."

- But this one means "bird." - Honey.

Amen, God willing.

But the decision is still up to the person involved, right?

How about it, Amira?

Are you willing to accept our proposal?

Before I answer, may I ask a few questions?

Please, go ahead.

I know love isn't a requirement for marriage.

But if I marry, I will respect my husband,

obey him as our faith teaches

and love him.

Will Ustadz Furqon do the same for me?

It is a husband's duty

to respect, honor,

and love whoever he marries.

Could you give me a more definite answer?

In the name of God.

I believe this meeting was meant to be.

God willing, I am willing.

Praise God.

My daughter is so beautiful today.

How did you grow up so fast?

Come back into Mommy's belly.

Oh, my God.

Mom?

Do you think I can?

What do you mean?

Be a good wife like you.

Who said I was a good wife?

I've never seen a wife love her husband

as much as you love Dad.

Dear,

when I married your father, I didn't love him yet.

Seriously?

I accept this marriage with the stated dowry.

I am pleased with it, and may God grant success.

Witnesses, is it valid?

Valid!

Thank God!

Love is "syaiun."

Marriage is "syaiun akhor."

Love is something, but marriage is something else entirely.

Love doesn't have to be the reason for marriage.

Start with the intention of worship.

So that love can be the fruit of your obedience to the Creator.

See? I was right.

No one is better than you, Mom.

Congratulations, sir.

- Congratulations, ma'am. - Thank you.

Finally!

You're the one who got snatched up first!

Only God knows.

But what's the secret to winning the heart of the pesantren's idol?

- Fasting every day. - I can do that too.

- But never breaking the fast. - You'd die.

- Let's take a photo. - Okay.

Sorry, ma'am. Please, go ahead.

- Thank you. - Praise God.

- Afif. - Praise God.

- Look after each other, you two. - Thank you.

- What is this? - I'm delivering a message.

Amira.

I'll just go over there.

Congratulations.

I'm sorry, Ustadz… I mean, honey.

It's okay, we're married now.

You aren't…

On your period, are you?

Okay then. Let's go.

Now?

It's better not to delay, right?

Honey…

Just be gentle, okay?

Be gentle?

But Maghrib prayer should be recited aloud, shouldn't it?

I'm going to do wudu first.

- Give me a second. - Okay.

That night, it felt like God planted the seeds of love in my heart.

Honey.

Your hand.

Through his beautiful recitation of the holy verses,

Furqon seemed to remind us that this marriage wasn't our dream.

But it was proof of God's love for us.

It's dawn.

Honey… did I fall asleep?

I'm so sorry.

I'm going to the mosque for Fajr prayer.

Peace be upon you.

Peace be upon you too.

Let's eat.

So, Furqon, did you have a good night?

Honey, what kind of question is that?

We have a guest.

I have to ask if he slept well or not.

- Oh, I thought… - What did you think?

Nothing.

So, was it good?

Moist.

What do you mean?

What?

The room.

The AC was too cold, but I slept just fine.

I see.

I trust you.

Take care of my precious daughter.

You hear me?

- Yes, sir. - Dad, stop.

You're too old to be crying.

Don't be silly, and don't get it wrong.

These aren't tears of sadness.

These are tears of joy.

Because I am handing you,

my beloved daughter,

to the right man.

I love you so much, dear.

Dad.

Sweetheart,

be a good wife.

Obey your husband.

Yes, Mom.

My daughter-in-law!

You're so beautiful.

Mother.

I thought you wouldn't come today.

Rest for a bit before Maghrib.

I've cooked rawon.

Thank you.

Mom, don't forget the sambal too.

This boy.

Goodness, Furqon is the number one fan of his mother's rawon.

Go to your room and rest.

I know it was a long trip.

- I'm dying to eat your rawon. - Like father like son.

Let's go.

And you're going straight for the rawon instead of showing your wife around.

Come. This is our house.

And this is your room.

I hope it's okay.

It's a beautiful house.

God willing.

That's the door to the backyard.

It's lovely here from morning to afternoon.

But it does get chilly at night.

It's so cozy here.

Here's some ginger tea.

Thank you, honey.

Can we talk for a moment?

What's this?

I am officially your husband now.

So this is my responsibility to you.

I will transfer your allowance to this account every month.

And this one?

That's for the household expenses.

If it runs out, don't use your allowance.

Thank you, honey.

In the name of God.

If you need anything at all, don't hesitate to tell me.

Well, then, I'm going to the mosque for Isha.

Honey…

I'll wait up for you.

No need.

I have a youth meeting that might run late.

Just go to bed.

- Peace be upon you. - Peace be upon you too.

SCHOOL YEARBOOK

THE FUTURE IS BUILT BY HARD WORK, NOT COMFORT

KNOWLEDGE WITHOUT PRACTICE IS EMPTY THEORY

"My heart beats fast like a drum."

"My silent prayers soar through the sky

beyond the reach of words."

Mir, that's so sweet.

I want to be loved like that too.

That's for sure.

Maybe he liked you first.

Don't give me false hope.

Then why did he keep that poem in our yearbook?

He must have been the one who asked to be set up with you.

Wati, let's talk later.

- I think he's back. - Okay.

Peace be upon you.

Peace be upon you, too.

You're still up?

I told you I'd wait for you.

Oh, no need.

I still have work to do.

There are some student articles I need to check.

Do you want me to make some tea?

No need, thank you.

Honey…

I'm heading to bed then.

Okay, sleep well.

Mom, what was it like, the wedding night with dad?

Why a husband hasn't been intimate with his wife?

THERE ARE SEVERAL REASONS. HEALTH, EXHAUSTION, PSYCHOLOGICAL ISSUES…

DEFINITION OF IMPOTENCE

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR AROUSAL

MANY BENEFITS OF PASAK BUMI

A package for Amira Hayatunnisa.

Thank you.

HERBAL TEA PASAK BUMI

What are you making, dear?

Mother. It's an energy drink.

An energy drink?

Energy drink for…

For?

For weight loss.

- I want some then. - No, it's not good.

Then why did you buy it?

I mean, I don't know if it works yet.

If it does, I'll buy you some too.

- If it works, I want it, okay? - Sure thing.

- Careful, you might get sick. - Yes, Mother.

Don't forget.

I won't.

Honey.

Thank you.

Drink it.

The tea is a bit bitter, isn't it?

It's herbal tea.

It's best without sugar.

I'll go recite the Quran for a bit.

Honey, are you okay?

I'm okay, just feeling a bit hot.

Can you open it?

Open what?

The door.

Of course.

Thank you.

Excuse me.

- My pants. - Sorry, honey.

I'll be right back.

Where are you going?

I need some fresh air. It's a bit stuffy in here.

- What are you doing? - Honey!

I was going to wake you up.

Wake me up for what?

For night prayer.

I'd better go do wudu.

UNIVERSITY OF MUHAMMADIYAH MALANG

Let me know when you need to be picked up.

Honey, does your mom to your dad…

- Peace be upon you. - Peace be upon you too.

Peace be upon you.

- Excuse me. - Peace be upon you too.

Ustadz Furqon.

Dara.

May God bless you. Congratulations on your marriage.

Thank you.

My best wishes to those who pray for us too.

Honey?

Thank goodness.

I thought I lost it. Thank you.

Dara? You're signing up here too?

- What's your major? - Psychology.

Oh, my God, me too!

Wati is signing up here too. Are you registering? Let's do it together.

Honey, we're heading in.

- Peace be upon you. - You too.

Let's go, Dara.

-Oh, my God -That's nonsense.

It's like you don't know our religion.

Hey, Furqon.

I thought you knew that there are two kinds of support in Islam.

Financial support and…

- And… - Spiritual support.

Right.

That includes everything from educating your wife to intimacy.

You can't pick and choose.

It's all mandatory.

- Peace be upon you, Ustadz. - You too.

- If you don't, you are being unjust. - I know. The problem is I can't.

Since when is a duty optional?

The marriage vow is a promise.

A promise directly to God. Don't break it just because of the past.

Peace be upon you, Ustadz Aiman.

Peace be upon you too.

What's this?

WEDDING INVITATION

You're getting married? Why didn't you say anything?

I'm saying it now.

Look. "Invitation for Ustadz Furqon and his wife, who hasn't been... ".

Enough.

Wati, finally! You're marrying your idol!

Of course, my charms are strong.

But God is always with those who are patient, Mir.

I waited patiently for Ustadz Afif.

- Really? - Of course!

I can't wait.

I'm going to be loved and cherished, just like your husband cherishes you.

Right?

Mir?

Mir?

Is something wrong?

What is it?

My husband…

What about him?

Peace be upon you, Wati.

Peace be upon you too.

Dara!

We finally meet again.

I forgot. I'll bring your invitation later, okay?

Be sure to come.

I can't believe we're at the same college as our old school friend.

This is destiny.

Just like you and your husband.

What's wrong, Mir?

Talk to me.

You used to tell me everything.

Since the wedding…

Furqon…

He still hasn't touched me.

Are you okay, Wati?

We… haven't been intimate yet.

But you said he was a good husband?

He's wonderful.

He even keeps the household money separate from my allowance.

Everything he does matches my idea of the ideal husband.

Except for… that one thing.

I'm scared, Wati.

I'm scared this marriage isn't what he wanted.

My mom always says

the way to a man's heart is through his stomach.

Learn to cook.

Cook his favorite dishes.

You need a good strategy.

- Strategy? - Of course.

A strategy full of love he'll never see coming.

You only know what makes a good wife in theory.

What are you doing, Mir?

I want to learn how to make rawon, Mother.

When I married Furqon's father, I couldn't cook either.

- So let me teach you. - Thank you.

I miss you like the night misses the full moon.

When I miss you, stones turn into birds.

Honey, dinner's ready.

I was gonna take the trash out.

Do it later. Let's eat while it's warm.

How is it? Good?

Good. It tastes like Mom's.

- Really? - Yes.

Try it.

You're right.

I meant…

Books are a window to the world.

Your marriage problems must have an answer in one of them, right?

I know I'm right, believe me.

SPARKING LOVE FOR MARRIAGE LIFE

Go pay for it.

Yes, ma'am.

Wait, there's more.

What is this?

Ratus.

What?

Ratus.

Didn't you do this treatment before you got married?

I didn't.

No wonder.

Just do as I say.

Yes, ma'am.

People say women are hard to understand.

They're wrong. Men are the ones who are hard to understand.

That's why women have to be smart.

Smart enough to understand what a husband likes.

Honey.

What is this?

For you to write poems.

I wrote something on the back of the cover.

"Two feelings become one."

"Two lights entwine."

"The spark in your eyes becomes a lantern in my heart."

"I love you

because I will love you in the most reckless way possible."

What do you think? Is it good?

You wrote this poem, didn't you?

For me, the most romantic thing in the world

is when someone makes something for the person they love.

Like the Taj Mahal.

A building that a husband built out of his love for his wife.

Thank you, honey.

The poem is beautiful.

Like it was written from the heart.

Good night.

Do you love me at all?

Let's go out today.

- Are you sure? - Why?

- Do you have other plans? - No.

I'm free today. Give me a second, let me get ready.

You're like a kid, getting excited over a day out.

It's my husband who's asking. If it were you, it wouldn't be special.

Where is he taking you?

I don't know, but him asking is enough to make me happy.

Don't forget to go by motorcycle.

- Why? - For the romance, like in the movies!

You're on the back of the bike.

Your arms around your man.

The wind in your face. It's so romantic!

Ouch!

Wati!

Ouch!

Wati, are you okay?

Mir, take the motorcycle!

Honey, wait.

- Why aren't we taking the motorcycle? - I'm afraid it'll rain.

Let's go.

Eat up.

Okay.

Wait.

Here you go.

- Thank you. - You're welcome.

- It's delicious. - I know, right?

- Is yours good too? - Yeah.

Do you want to try?

From this bowl?

No, from mine.

Well, okay.

Honey, they say there's a fountain in the middle of the maze.

Whoever gets there first wins!

Wait!

Yay, a fountain!

Yay!

Yay!

Peace be upon you.

Peace be upon you too.

I guess destiny keeps bringing us together.

Aunt Dara, let's play by the fountain!

This is Baim, my nephew from Jakarta.

Well then, let's go together.

The more the merrier, right?

- Let's play, Auntie! - Okay.

- Yay! Promise? - Okay.

Yay! Let's play!

There's Aunt Amira.

Bye!

Hands up!

How many times?

Ten times.

- How about 100 times? - No.

Why?

- Aunt Dara, it's pretty, right? - It is.

- I want to go inside. - Wait! Be careful!

Honey, come here. Let's take a photo.

- Dara, could you take a photo of us? - Sure.

One, two…

Dara, thanks for today.

How are you getting home?

- I'll just book an online taxi. - No, come with us.

No, it's all right.

Honey, can she come with us?

He said yes. Let's go, you can come with us.

Baim is sleepy anyway.

Turn left up ahead.

Shouldn't it be right?

Yes, but there's roadwork.

You know this area?

A student used to live here.

FIRST LOVE ONLY HAPPENS ONCE IN A LIFETIME

Thanks, Mir, Ustadz. Peace be upon you.

- You too. - You too.

Dara!

- Can I use your bathroom? - Sure.

Honey, let's go say goodbye to Dara's parents for a moment.

Come on.

Dad, Mom, Auntie, Uncle.

This is a proposal.

Why is everyone off in their own corners? Why don't we let everyone eat and mingle?

Everybody, let's eat.

We can chat again later.

Please, enjoy.

Please, Ustadz.

Do you want me to get you some food?

No need, thank you.

Wati, come here.

Wait there.

This is for you.

How sweet.

You shouldn't have.

But just this? Nothing else?

This is it for now.

- Okay. - Don't open it yet.

You can open it later.

Come on, that's no fun.

Not until the wedding night.

Okay. I just hope I don't end up like Amira.

Her husband hasn't even "touched" her since the wedding.

- What? - Oops!

Did I say that out loud?

You know Furqon hasn't slept with Amira?

You know that Ustadz Furqon hasn't slept with Amira?

But…

Don't tell him I let it slip.

I already told Furqon, just forget about Dara.

- What? - Oops!

Did I say that out loud?

So Ustadz Furqon was dating Dara?

- How? Wait… - Yes? I think someone's calling me.

- No one is calling. - Yes, someone is!

Ustadz! Explain yourself!

Peace be upon you.

Peace be upon you too.

Dara, who is this?

Mom, this is…

I forgot my purse. Thanks, honey.

- Peace be upon you. - Peace be upon you too.

This is Amira, a friend from Al-Hikmah.

This is Ustadz Furqon.

Amira's husband.

Is Ustadz Furqon the one who used to check Dara's writing in the magazine?

Yes, ma'am.

Dara used to say.

Dara's articles were always corrected by Ustadz Furqon.

Ma'am, we have to go.

Furqon, just pray here.

Lead us.

AMIRA HAYATUNNISA RINGING

AMIRA HAYATUNNISA RINGING

Honey.

Peace be upon you, Ustadz.

You too. Look, Wati, you didn't tell Amira about earlier, did you?

I would never do that.

But I saw you online. Were you trying to call someone?

No, I didn't call Amira. I called the daughter of Mr. Ahmad.

That's Amira.

Look, if you tell her and they fight…

And God forbid, they get divorced.

That's serious. How will we answer to God for this?

But she's my best friend, I feel like I have to tell her.

It's their marriage. Let them solve it.

We're getting married next week. Focus on us, okay?

Okay, pretty girl? How is it?

Wrong intonation.

How is it?

- Wait, Amira is calling. What do I do? - Wati.

- Wati! - I have to go. Peace be upon you.

Hello, peace be upon you, Mir.

Peace be upon you too.

What's up, Wati? You called so many times.

My battery was low.

It's just…

Please, Wati. Don't say anything.

Next week is my birthday.

I mean, next week is my wedding.

- I already have the invitation. - I know.

I was just reminding you.

See you next week.

- Bye. Peace be upon you. - Peace be upon you too.

All safe, Ustadz.

SPARKING LOVE FOR MARRIAGE LIFE

You're so lucky, my son.

Mom.

As soon as she knew you liked rawon, she learned to cook it.

She's so enthusiastic.

Take good care of your wife, son.

She's the most precious jewel in the world.

Thanks, honey.

Let me do it.

It smells so good.

- What does? - The rawon.

And you too.

Amira…

I'm sorry.

I haven't been a good husband to you.

Honey,

you are the best husband.

Thank you.

You're the best wife too.

Let's skip our murojaah for tonight.

Why?

It's Friday night.

I know.

But a husband and wife's worship isn't just about murojaah.

I'll go get ready.

- Honey. - Yes?

I just got my period.

Can you grab me a pad?

They're in the wardrobe, in the drawer.

- In here? - Yes.

- This one? - Yes.

It's empty.

- I thought I had some left. - I'll go buy some.

- You don't mind? - Of course not.

Same as this one, right? I'll be right back.

- Thank you. - No problem.

I miss you like parched earth longs for rain.

I cherish the words of the Noble Prophet,

that fasting is a remedy for love and longing.

I miss you like a traveler far from home.

For Dara.

Peace be upon you.

Wishing Ustadz Furqon and Amira a happy marriage. From Dara.

I'm scared, Wati, that this marriage isn't what he wanted.

Destiny keeps bringing us together.

You know this area?

Dara's articles were always corrected by Ustadz Furqon.

Do you love me at all?

Peace be upon you.

Amira?

Here, as requested.

Mir?

Honey…

When you proposed…

You said

respecting, honoring

and loving a wife is a husband's duty.

I unveiled myself before God.

When you made me your wife, you said it before God.

Not just in front of me and my family.

What do you mean?

"My silent prayers soar through the sky

beyond the reach of words."

"I miss you like a traveler far from home."

Amira, stop.

"I shall wait for you at dawn and at dusk."

"Through the barren midday sun and the glowing twilight."

"I wait in the silence of my longing and the whisper of my prayers."

This is so beautiful.

Romantic, poetic.

But too bad it's not for your wife.

That's an old notebook.

"For Dara."

Amira.

This poem,

it's for Dara too, isn't it?

That's all in the past. Dara is the past...

Honey! I feel like a fool.

Please, let me explain.

You pretended you had no past with Dara.

You agreed to drop her off. And you…

Be honest with me.

Do you love Dara?

No, Amira.

Then what is this?

- I was going to throw it away. - Honey!

All this time I wondered, "What did I do wrong?"

"Am I not attractive?"

I tried so hard to be a good wife for you.

A man who didn't even want me.

No, Amira.

- I did love her once... - Honey!

Every night

you cry over a marriage you never wanted,

- I swear to God, no! - Then what is it?

I swear to God, no!

I wanted to marry you.

I swear to God.

But I still have so much baggage from the past to let go of.

I'm sorry.

I should have told you about Dara.

I was wrong.

Yes, I cry every night.

But it's because I ask God…

"Do I deserve to be loved by someone like you?"

Every night I pray…

I pray that I can love you with all my heart.

But you don't need to learn…

To love Dara with all your heart.

Peace be upon you.

Peace be upon you too.

Your tea is ready.

Your clothes are on the bed.

- Peace be upon you. - Peace be upon you too.

Praise be God. Amen.

Wati!

May your marriage be blessed.

Amen. May ours be just like yours.

One, two…

- Please eat. - Make sure you eat, okay?

Congratulations.

Ma'am.

Sir.

I want a divorce.

Come on in.

You studied religion, Furqon.

You know there's a limit to how long you can neglect your wife.

This is no small matter.

Providing for a wife isn't just about money. Do you understand?

Yes, sir.

I do understand.

I know I was wrong.

But if I may,

I want to talk to Amira.

It seems Amira needs time to process this, Furqon.

- Mom. - Yes?

Furqon never loved me after all.

It's okay, dear.

Isn't it human nature to want to love and be loved?

The love of Allah is the only love we need

and the only love that never fails us.

But we aren't grateful enough.

We still chase the love of his creations

and put the Almighty second.

Your husband is only human.

He makes mistakes.

He is far from perfect.

If you want to love him for the sake of God,

you must learn to forgive

and accept his imperfections.

"I love you"

because I will love you

"in the most reckless way possible."

I always see love in the spark of your eyes.

Sweetheart, you know God hates divorce the most.

SURABAYA RELIGIOUS COURT

I always see love in the spark of your eyes.

It always makes me wonder, "Do I deserve to be loved?"

Wishing Ustadz Furqon and Amira a happy marriage. From Dara.

Dara,

I want to know everything.

I want to know my husband's past.

So please, answer honestly, and don't hide anything.

When I studied at the pesantren,

he used to check my writing.

LIBRARY OF AL-HIKMAH BOARDING SCHOOL BATU

We both loved poetry.

We exchanged poems too.

That's how our hearts became intertwined.

But at the time, we could only love through words.

I want to come to your house and propose.

If you don't mind, can you wait until I graduate?

But then another proposal came from Ustadz Aiman

during my last days in Al-Hikmah.

I'm sorry, but another man has already promised to ask for my hand.

Ustadz Furqon never knew that I rejected the proposal.

But since the rumor spread,

he avoided me.

He stopped contacting me, and we drifted apart.

Then I heard you two were getting married.

I sent a letter through Ustadz Afif…

To congratulate you.

And two days ago…

Ustadz Furqon asked to meet again.

I haven't handled this well.

I have to apologize

for making you reject a better man than me.

I apologize for giving you false hope.

Amira is the "path to heaven" that I have chosen.

I am truly sorry

for my past with Ustadz Furqon.

But that's all I am to him now, just his past.

While you…

You are the "path to heaven" that he chose.

But it still hurts, Dara.

Knowing he never touched me…

Because he couldn't let go of his memories of you.

Mir…

God can create the heavens without pillars.

Surely he can heal a broken heart.

Every wound is a part of destiny.

There is happiness inside our hearts.

That phone call is proof that you are the winner, Mir.

Not me.

Heaven brought the two of you together.

I searched for the evening star in the middle of the ocean.

I found you, shining brighter than any star.

I glimpsed the happiness of kings.

Only to realize that nothing compares to the happiness I find with you.

I thought loneliness was being without friends.

It turns out your absence brings silence, even among thousands.

You are the answer to my prayers when sincerity became my strength.

You're the path to heaven God chose for me

when I prayed for happiness.

I pray for you in the last third of the night.

With a hopeful whisper

that I am the one you come home to.

You are the love God chose for me.

A divine answer to a servant's humble prayer.

Forgive me.

I love you.

Can I hear it one more time?

I love you.

And I will love you in the most reckless way possible.

AL-FURQON MOSQUE

My marriage is once again proof of God's greatness.

That no one's destiny is left unguided.

Nothing lies outside the Great Creator's plan.

As the Prophet said,

"God decreed the destinies of his servants 50,000 years before creation."

A READING OF "I CHOOSE THE PATH TO HEAVEN"

AND A MEETING WITH THE AUTHOR, DARA HAMIDAH

I CHOOSE THE PATH TO HEAVEN