The morning sun was just shining on the boarding school courtyard, filled with the fragrance of frangipani flowers and the cheerful buzz of students starting their activities. In the shady corner of the courtyard, where the female students sat waiting for their turn to read the Qur'an while studying together, a friendship was beginning to take root.
Aira and Zahra sat side by side, along with Nisa, who had just joined them. The three of them often met in this courtyard, sharing stories about their lessons and challenges at the boarding school. "Sometimes I get confused about tajwid, but when I study with you guys, it feels easier and more fun," said Aira with a warm smile.
Zahra, known for her sense of humor, didn't want to be outdone. "Yes, learning should be spiced up with laughter, not like robots. I even sometimes make funny songs about the Arabic alphabet so it's easier to remember!"
Nisa smiled and nodded. She felt that this study page was not just a place to review lessons, but also a place where they could support each other. "Besides learning, I also have friends I can confide in and remind each other to stay steadfast in the Sunnah."
Suddenly, Lina and Syarifah arrived carrying several books and notebooks, inviting them to join a newly formed study group. "This group is for those of you who want to study more seriously but also in a relaxed manner. We combine knowledge, discussion, and a little humor so that you don't get bored," said Lina enthusiastically.
They joined in, and the learning atmosphere became warmer and more enthusiastic. In the midst of it all, small jokes and funny stories enlivened the atmosphere, proving that friendship is not only about seriousness, but also about shared happiness.
However, behind the laughter, they also learned to understand and help each other when faced with difficulties. The friendship formed in this study hall became a strong foundation for them to face all the challenges of the boarding school, because together they not only learned knowledge, but also morals and a sense of belonging.
***
The warm morning sun swept across the boarding school's study hall. The smell of books and wood dust mixed together as a backdrop for the jokes and laughter that flowed among the female students. After enjoying the atmosphere for a moment, Aira, Zahra, and Nisa gathered under the frangipani tree, their favorite place to discuss and share stories.
"I'm so happy we can study together like this," said Zahra with sparkling eyes, "Not just learning from books, but also learning about ourselves and how we can strengthen each other."
Nisa nodded in agreement. "Yes, the friendship here is very different. Sometimes I get confused by difficult lessons, but you guys are always ready to help me. That makes me more enthusiastic."
Aira smiled, feeling the warmth of the bond that had grown from their togetherness. "We're not just here to learn about religion, but also to become friends who can build each other up. No one should feel alone."
Suddenly, from the corner of the yard, Syarifah appeared carrying a stack of thick books. She sat down near them and sighed deeply, "Sorry I'm late, I was confused looking for books for my fiqh assignment."
"Take it easy, Sy," Zahra handed her a small notebook. "I also get confused sometimes, but we can help each other."
Their conversation continued enthusiastically, discussing the concepts of fiqh, tajwid, and akhlak that they had learned. The atmosphere, filled with laughter and attention, strengthened their bond, becoming a place where knowledge and hearts met and grew together.
However, the path of friendship is not always smooth. One afternoon, a small misunderstanding arose when Aira felt that Zahra was joking too much while they were studying seriously. The disappointment created a distance between them. But, thanks to Nisa's wisdom as a mediator, they sat down together, opened their hearts, and forgave each other.
"Friendship does require effort," said Nisa, "But if we can be honest and understand each other, we can overcome even the smallest problems."
Night fell, and stars began to scatter across the sky above the cottage. Under the moonlight, the three of them gathered again, not only as study friends, but as sisters ready to walk together through every test of life.
***
That afternoon, the courtyard of the women's Islamic boarding school was filled with laughter, but also with warm and meaningful discussions. Aira, Zahra, Lina, and Nisa sat in a circle under the shade of a frangipani tree, reviewing the day's lessons and sharing stories from their respective experiences.
"I think it's really important that we help each other when one of us has difficulty learning," said Aira enthusiastically. "If Zahra hadn't been patient enough to teach me earlier, I might still be confused about the interpretation of the letter."
Zahra smiled broadly, "Of course! We're not here just to study on our own, but also to strengthen each other. Besides, studying together is more fun, right?"
Lina added, "Friendship is our foundation. If the foundation is strong, God willing, everything we learn will stick well in our hearts and minds."
As they were busy discussing, Nisa noticed a group of new students sitting apart in the distance, looking hesitant and shy to join in. "Come on, let's invite them to join us," said Nisa enthusiastically.
They then stood up and approached them, greeting them with warm smiles. "Hi, do you want to join us in studying? It's fun here, and we all learn from each other." The invitation was accepted with hesitation, but slowly interest began to grow.
The meeting became the starting point for the formation of a new circle of friendship. Differences in character and background were no longer barriers. In fact, those differences added color and excitement to their learning together.
As night began to fall, they concluded the day with a joint prayer at the musalla, asking that the friendship they had built would continue to inspire every step on the path of knowledge and the Sunnah.