That morning, the Islamic boarding school was shrouded in a thin fog that had not yet completely dissipated, even though the call to dawn prayer had long since ended. The sound of the students' footsteps echoed softly in the dormitory corridor, but something was different: anxious whispers and exchanged glances. The night before, a sudden announcement from the mosque loudspeaker had echoed: "All students must attend the morning assembly at 5:30 a.m. in the main field. This is the annual discipline test. No one is allowed to be late. Strict penalties will be imposed on those who violate this rule."
Zahra put on her headscarf with slightly trembling hands, glancing at the wall clock that showed 5:15 a.m. "Nisa, are you sure the time is right? It seems like a normal assembly, but the announcement was really dramatic," she said, combing her hair to get rid of the sleep in it.
Nisa, who was already neatly dressed in her gray and white uniform, shook her head quickly. "Seriously, Za. I heard from a 12th grader that last year someone was punished by having to wash all the mosque prayer mats because they were five minutes late. This is no joke. They say this test is to assess our diligence, neatness, and obedience to the boarding school rules."
In the dormitory hallway, Salsabila and Salsabi were already running toward the stairs. "Hurry up, Bil! Don't let us get scolded again like last week for being late for duty!" Salsabi exclaimed, pulling her twin sister's hand. Salsabila nodded, her face pale. "Yes, I'm scared. Back in 7th grade, a friend of mine was punished to run around the field ten laps. She said it was exhausting."
Zahra and Nisa followed, joining the stream of students flowing rapidly onto the field. The cold air pierced their skin, but their morning enthusiasm mixed with tension made them forget about the cold. The main field was already crowded: rows of female students stood neatly under the slowly waving flag of the Islamic boarding school. Ustadz Hasan, the boarding school's deputy head of student affairs, stood on a small stage covered by a cloth barrier with a microphone in his hand, accompanied by the BP teacher and several homeroom teachers.
"Assalamu'alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh," Ustadz Hasan's voice boomed. "Alhamdulillah, we meet at the annual disciplinary exam assembly. The purpose of this is not to punish, but to educate. As stated in Surah Ar-Ra'd verse 11 of the Qur'an: 'Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.' Discipline is the key to that change. Today, we will test four pillars: diligence (arriving on time), neatness (uniform and attitude), cleanliness (attitude and environment), and religiosity (congregational prayer and manners)."
The students nodded in unison, although some in the back row looked restless. Zahra whispered to Nisa, "Look, someone's hijab isn't neat. Hopefully, she won't get scolded."
Ustadz Hasan continued, "Now, check the rows! Homeroom teachers, report the number of students and note those who are late or untidy!"
Zahra's homeroom teacher stepped forward and counted quickly. "Grade 10 Science: 28 students present, one late—Zahra from the girls' dormitory!"
Zahra gasped. "What?! I'm already here!" But it turned out that she was recorded as late because she registered to enter the field 30 seconds past the deadline. Her cheeks flushed red. Her friends stifled their laughter.
"Zahra, come forward!" Ustadz Hasan commanded firmly but calmly. Zahra stepped forward with her heart pounding, standing next to the stage. "Ustadz, I'm sorry... I was rushing from the dormitory," she said softly.
Ustadz Hasan nodded. "That's an excuse, not a solution. First punishment: stand here respectfully until the assembly is over, while reflecting on the verse. Second: join the extra cleaning team to clean the field after this. This is not a punishment, but a lesson. Discipline starts with small moments."
Zahra nodded obediently. "InsyaAllah, Ustadz." In her heart, she felt ashamed but also realized something. *Why do I always get excited when I talk to Nisa?*
The assembly continued with a neatness check. The BP teacher walked around the rows, checking uniforms, headscarves, shoes, and standing posture. "Student number 15 in class 10 IPS, your hijab is loose! Correct it now!" she shouted. A student hurriedly fixed it. In another row, someone was reprimanded for having long nails and dirty shoes.
"Remember the rules of our boarding school!" exclaimed the BP teacher. "Prohibitions: being late to class, skipping class, using gadgets without permission, dating. Graduated punishments: verbal warning, letter to parents, home visit, up to suspension for repeat offenders. But today, we are focusing on educational punishments: community service and reflection."
Suddenly, there was a small commotion from the back row. Two students were caught whispering and laughing. "Come forward! You will be punished with 20 push-ups in front of everyone, then you will help wash the buckets!" They came forward with red faces, doing push-ups while gasping for breath. "Sorry, ma'am... we were just joking," said one of them.
"'Just kidding' is often the beginning of a big violation," replied the teacher. "Discipline is not about fear of punishment, but love for the rules because of Allah."
After the assembly, the students who were punished were given tasks. Zahra joined the cleaning team: sweeping dry leaves, tidying up benches, and watering the grass. Lina, her classmate who was reprimanded for her wrinkled uniform, joined them. "Za, how do you feel? Are you embarrassed?" asked Lina while sweeping.
"I was really embarrassed at first," replied Zahra, "but now I feel... relieved. It's like being reminded that this boarding school really cares, that we shouldn't be spoiled. Look, they're washing buckets while discussing why they were disobedient. This punishment makes us think."
On the other side of the field, Salsabila and Salsabi, who escaped punishment but volunteered to help, distributed drinking water to the team on duty. "This is a fair punishment," said Salsabila. "It's not hitting or yelling, but it makes our hands work and our hearts reflect."
Assistant Ustadz Hasan approached Zahra. "How is it, Zahra? Have you reflected?"
"Yes, Ustadzah. I realize that discipline is like calligraphy: one wrong line can ruin the whole thing. I'm sorry."
The teacher smiled. "Good. This is just the beginning of the discipline test. Tomorrow there will be an independent test: each class will make a mini discipline project. Those who obey throughout the week will receive an award. Remember, educational punishment is the door to mercy."
As the sun began to rise, the field shone again. The students dispersed with lighter hearts, though their hands were sore. Zahra walked with Nisa, whispering, "Don't talk tomorrow, okay? I don't want to do push-ups!" They laughed, but behind it was a new resolve: discipline is not a burden, but a path to a better self.
---
That afternoon, after a tiring morning assembly, the atmosphere at the Islamic boarding school turned into orderly chaos. Each class was assigned to create a "mini discipline project" as the second part of the annual discipline exam. Zahra's 10th grade science class gathered in their classroom, the walls already covered with calligraphy posters from previous extracurricular activities. On the blackboard, the homeroom teacher wrote large instructions: 'Create a class discipline guide + a skit about violations & punishments. Present this afternoon. The score will affect your discipline report card!
Zahra sat in the middle seat, still feeling sore from her field duty earlier that morning. Nisa nudged her arm. "Za, do you want to be the group coordinator? Your experience of being punished this morning will definitely make you an expert!"
Zahra glared at Nisa and chuckled. "Haha, that's funny. But seriously, let's divide the tasks. My suggestion is: the first part is a poster of the 10 main rules, and the second part is a short drama sketch about yesterday's actual violations. Let's make it lively!"
Lina, who was sitting in front, joined the conversation. "Agreed! I'll be in charge of the poster. But what are the points? From the morning assembly, they mentioned craftsmanship, neatness, cleanliness, and religion."
Salsabila, who was usually quiet, suddenly raised her hand. "Add this: no bringing gadgets without permission, skipping group prayers, and being noisy during recitation. The penalties are tiered: verbal warning, letter to parents, community service such as cleaning the mosque or the environment."
"Great idea, Bil!" Zahra replied. "And for the drama, let's sketch out the case of the two students from this morning first. One person will be the BP teacher, the other will be the naughty student. End with a reflection: 'Punishment is not revenge, but guidance.'"
The group began working. Lina and Aira were busy drawing posters with colorful markers: point 1 'Be on time (punishment: yard duty)', point 2 'Neat uniform (punishment: 10 push-ups)', point 3 'Pray in congregation (punishment: recite memorization at the pulpit)'. Zahra and Nisa wrote a short play.
"Scene 1: the two students whisper in the assembly line," Zahra read aloud. "'Hey, did you see how nice the students in the next class are?' whispered one student. The other student laughed. Suddenly, the teacher says, 'Come forward! Why are you being noisy?' Student one: 'Just joking, ma'am...' Teacher: 'Joking without knowing the place is a small sin that piles up!'"
Everyone laughs. Salsabi adds, "Then do push-ups while reciting istighfar. It's funny but it hits home!"
But suddenly, there was a loud knock on the classroom door. The guidance counselor entered with a tense expression, followed by two 10th grade social studies students: Ria and Fajri. "The teacher wants to explain something, sorry for interrupting earlier. Ria and Fajri were caught playing with their cell phones behind the mosque earlier. They have violated the rules three times this week. Now their punishment is a home visit from their parents tomorrow morning!"
The room fell silent. Ria looked down, Fajri's face turned red. The teacher nodded seriously. "Okay, ma'am. Our class is currently working on a discipline project. Let them reflect here first as a lesson."
The teacher agreed. "Ria, Fajri, sit in front. Tell your friends why you repeated your mistake."
Ria sighed deeply. "I'm sorry, everyone... At first, I was just checking messages from my parents. But then I got carried away scrolling through social media. Cell phones are like an addiction; they're really hard to put down."
Fajri added, his voice trembling. "We know the boarding school rules: gadgets are only allowed from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for coordinating with family. The first punishment is a warning, the second is a written statement, and now a home visit. My parents must be disappointed."
Zahra spoke up, "Aren't you afraid of being suspended if you commit a fourth violation? This is a big test of discipline. Remember the boarding school SOP: serious violations like this can result in a week's suspension."
The guidance counselor nodded. "That's right. But our boarding school uses positive discipline: educational punishment, not physical punishment. Tomorrow your parents will come, and we will discuss it together. Ria's task is to make a 5-minute video reflection on the dangers of gadgets, and Fajri will help clean all the dormitory toilets. This is so that you realize that self-discipline is more difficult than following rules."
Ria and Fajri nodded obediently. "InsyaAllah, Ma'am. We promise to change."
After the teacher left, the class refocused. Their skit was now more dramatic: there was an additional scene about cell phone addiction. Lina perfected the poster by adding the point "Wise gadget use (punishment: home visit + community service)".
In the afternoon, the interclass presentations began in the hall. Zahra's class went first. They put up a large poster, then performed their drama. Zahra played the teacher, Nisa played the rebellious student. "Get up! Do 20 push-ups while saying 'astaghfirullah'!" Zahra shouted firmly. The student, Nisa, did push-ups while gasping for breath, and the audience laughed but was also amazed.
At the end of the drama, Zahra concluded, "Punishment at the boarding school is not revenge, but a hidden prayer. As the hadith says, 'Every disease has a cure.' Discipline is the cure for our spoiled souls."
Ustadz Hasan, who was present and covered with a cloth, also acted as a judge, applauded. "Excellent! An A for the 10th grade science class. You understand the essence: the boarding school's disciplinary examination procedure is like an assessment SOP—there are rules, supervision, and graduated sanctions, but the goal is character development."
Other classes also gave presentations. Grade 10 Social Studies made a sketch about skipping prayers and the punishment of memorization. Grade 10 Integrated Social Studies made a poem about rules and regulations. The hall was filled with laughter, but it contained deep reflection.
That night, in the dormitory, Zahra and her friends were chatting. "Today was tiring but worthwhile," said Nisa. "Imagine Ria's home visit tomorrow. She'll definitely cry her eyes out."
Salsabila nodded. "But that's the educational part. It's not just about getting angry, but about providing a way out. It's like calligraphy: if you make a mistake, just repeat it patiently."
Zahra smiled. "That's right. This test of discipline makes us realize that the rules of the boarding school are not shackles, but a fence that protects us from the abyss."
Outside the window, the stars twinkled. It was a quiet night, but the hearts of the students were now stronger—ready to face the next part of the test that taught them that true punishment is a mirror for change.
---
The next morning, the atmosphere at the Islamic boarding school was tense, like a tightly strung violin string. Home visits for Ria and Fajri were scheduled for 7:30 a.m. in the guidance counselor's office, and all 10th graders were required to be present as witnesses to the process of applying graduated discipline. The corridors were filled with students whispering to each other, while Ria and Fajri's parents had arrived early, sitting stiffly in the living room with questioning looks on their faces. The cool morning air felt heavy with a mixture of embarrassment, hope, and fear.
Zahra, Nisa, Lina, Salsabila, and Salsabi sat in the front row of the guidance counselor's office, which had been transformed into a mini auditorium. The guidance counselor stood at the front with a microphone, accompanied by Ustadz Hasan's assistant and the homeroom teacher. Ria and Fajri stood respectfully in the middle, their uniforms neat but their eyes downcast.
"Assalamu'alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh," Ms. BP began in a firm but calm voice. "Today we will carry out the boarding school disciplinary procedure in accordance with the disciplinary management SOP: third offense of unauthorized use of gadgets. Ria and Fajri, come forward and tell your parents and friends the chronology of events."
Ria stepped forward, her voice trembling. "Teacher and friends… I am Ria from class 10 IPS. Last week, I was caught playing with my cell phone behind the mosque at 7:15 p.m., even though the coordination time with my family was only until 7:00 p.m. The first punishment was a verbal warning. This week, I did it again, and the second punishment was a letter of explanation from my parents. Now, for the third time... I apologize. Cell phones are addictive for me. I scroll through TikTok until I forget the time for the Isha prayer in congregation."
Fajri followed, his eyes teary. "I'm Fajri, same case. At first I was just checking the family WhatsApp group, but I got carried away playing games. We know the boarding school's rules: gadgets must be handed over to the dorm supervisor at night, and can only be used for 30 minutes for important matters. But we broke the rules. Please forgive us."
Ria's mother, wearing a long hijab and looking pale, spoke up in a hoarse voice. "Teacher, I signed the statement letter last week. But my child did it again… I made a huge mistake as a parent. At home he's diligent, but at the boarding school he can be rebellious. What's the next punishment? Suspension?"
Assistant Ustadz Hasan stepped forward, shaking his head slowly. "Not suspension right away, ma'am. This boarding school implements positive discipline, not punitive measures. According to our SOP: third offense = home visit + educational sanctions. Today, Ria and Fajri:
1. Hand over their cell phones to the boarding school for 2 weeks.
2. Ria will make a 5-minute reflection video titled 'The Dangers of Gadgets for Boarding School Students' and upload it to the class WhatsApp group.
3. Fajri will clean 20 dormitory toilets + the mosque for 3 days.
4. Parents will participate in weekly evaluations: progress reports on their children for 1 month."
Fajri's mother nodded firmly. "Alhamdulillah, ma'am. I agree. At home, I will install parental controls on his cell phone. My child must learn to be independent, not spoiled because of gadgets."
Zahra whispered to Nisa, "Look, the parents are more strict than we imagined. I think they are actually relieved that there are SOPs like this."
Nisa nodded. "Yes, Za. Not just angry, but offering a solution."
The BP teacher continued, "Now, the evaluation procedure: Ria and Fajri, write your commitments on this board. Class 10 friends, you are witnesses. If they violate again, the fourth punishment: 3 days suspension + intensive counseling."
Ria walked up to the board and wrote with trembling hands: "I'm, Ria, promise: 1. Not to touch gadgets without permission. 2. To prioritize prayer and study. 3. If I violate again, I will accept any punishment. InsyaAllah." Fajri followed with similar writing. Everyone clapped softly in support.
After the home visit was over, the session continued with a 'class discipline test'. Each group was asked to demonstrate procedures for handling daily violations. Zahra's class came forward again. Lina became the 'late student', Zahra became the 'class representative'.
"Assalamu'alaikum, Ma'am! Sorry I'm 5 minutes late, I was helping my younger sibling at the dorm," said Lina with a feigned guilty look on her face.
Zahra replied firmly, "Wa'alaikumussalam, Lina. Note in the discipline book: first tardiness, verbal warning. Reflect on the hadith of the Prophet: 'Five things before five things: your youth before old age...' Hurry up and go to class, don't repeat this tomorrow!"
Lina nodded obediently. "InsyaAllah, Ma'am. Sorry." The audience applauded. Assistant Ustadz Hasan commented, "Good! That's the tiered procedure: warning → letter to parents → community service → suspension. Like the boarding school exam SOP: there is verification, supervision, and evaluation."
Suddenly, there was a knock on the guidance counselor's door. An 11th grader entered with a panicked look on his face. "Teacher! A 9th grader skipped the midday prayer and was caught playing soccer in the back field!"
The guidance counselor sighed. "Another real case. Everyone go to the field now. This is an example of field procedure!"
On the field, three 9th grade students stood with balls at their feet, breathing heavily. Assistant Ustadz Hasan stepped forward. "Why did you skip prayer? The midday prayer is mandatory in congregation. The penalty: recite your memorization at the pulpit this afternoon + mosque duty for a week!"
One of the students, named Indah, replied softly, "Sorry, Teacher... We lost track of time while playing soccer. I thought we could pray alone."
"Praying in congregation is 27 times more rewarding! This punishment is so you will remember: sports are allowed after prayer. Now, put away the ball, join the Asr prayer together, then recite your memorization at the pulpit. Your parents will be notified tonight."
Indah nodded. "Jazakumullah khairan, Ustadzah. This punishment is fair."
That afternoon, at the mosque pulpit, Indah recited her memorization assignment, starting with istighfar in a loud voice: "Astaghfirullahal 'azhim… O Allah, forgive Your servant who neglected prayer…" The students echoed her from the back rows. Zahra whispered to Salsabila, "Look, Bil. The punishment at the pulpit made her feel ashamed but also aware. Tomorrow she will definitely be diligent."
Salsabila nodded. "Yes, Za. It's like calligraphy: if you make a mistake, you erase it slowly while reflecting. You don't just tear it off roughly."
That night, the final evaluation of the discipline test was held in the hall. Assistant Ustadz Hasan announced, "Grade 10 Science is the winner of the discipline project! The prize: extra class time off + a certificate of discipline. Ria and Fajri get a 'reminder bracelet'—to be worn on their wrists for a week as a reminder."
Ria smiled with relief. "Thank you, Ustadzah. The home visit made me realize: discipline is the responsibility of parents and teachers."
Zahra and her friends returned to the dormitory with hearts full of lessons. "This exam was so comprehensive," said Nisa. "From morning assembly to evening prayer, all the procedures were strict but full of compassion."
"That's right," Zahra replied. "It's a punishment that teaches us a lesson: it's not just physical pain, but medicine for the heart. Tomorrow we will be even more disciplined!"
The night sky above the Islamic boarding school was studded with stars, watching over the students who were now stronger—forged by rules that were not shackles, but wings towards piety.
---
The third day of the annual disciplinary exam began with a sudden announcement over the mosque loudspeaker at dawn: "All students must participate in a full disciplinary SOP simulation today. Starting with roll call, gadget checks, follow-up home visit simulations, to a final evaluation at the mosque in the afternoon. No absences allowed. This is the boarding school's standard operating procedure according to the Ministry of Religious Affairs guidelines!" Ustadz Hasan's voice echoed, waking up the students who were still sleepy.
In the dormitory, Zahra jumped out of bed, hurriedly took a shower, and tidied up her uniform. "Nisa! Wake up! Today is the final evaluation day. They say there will be a simulation of a major violation, with real punishment!" she shouted while putting on her headscarf.
Nisa rubbed her eyes. "Seriously? I heard from my senior that last year someone was punished by having to 'clean the Ministry of Religious Affairs branch office' because of a simulation of suspension. Hurry up, Za, don't be late like yesterday!"
Salsabila and Salsabi were already ready in the hallway. "We brought the SOP notes from yesterday. The complete procedure: verification of violations, witnesses, virtual parents via WhatsApp, tiered sanctions, and evaluation," said Salsabila, showing her notebook. Lina followed, "I'm afraid there will be serious cases like skipping religious classes. What will the punishment be?"
They hurried to the field. The morning assembly had already started, but this time there were "violation actors" prepared: several 11th grade students pretended to be 10 minutes late, running in while panting. The BP teacher immediately raised her voice: "Halt! First simulation tardiness: write down their names! SOP procedure: verbal warning + 15 push-ups while reciting 'Laa hawla walaa quwwata illa billah'!"
The 'offenders' obediently did push-ups. One of them, Andini, protested pretentiously: "Ma'am, sorry... We were late because we were helping our younger siblings in the dormitory take a shower and perform wudu. It was an emergency, right?"
The teacher was firm. "Emergencies are noted, but the procedure still applies. The second punishment next week: guard duty at the entrance gate. According to the disciplinary management SOP: the first offense is a warning, the second is a notification to the parents. Continue the roll call!"
After the assembly, phase two: mass gadget check. All students lined up at the dormitory supervisor's post. Assistant Ustadz Hasan held the list. "Hand over your cell phones now! Family coordination hours are from 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. only. Yesterday's violators, Ria and Fajri, keep an eye on your friends!"
Ria stepped forward with a reminder bracelet on her wrist. "Everyone, remember the Ministry of Religious Affairs SOP: gadgets are stored safely and may only be used for family matters. If you are caught scrolling through social media, the punishment is a home visit + cleaning the toilet!" A student was caught with a hidden game application on his cell phone. "Confiscation for 1 week + write an essay titled 'Gadgets vs. Taqwa'. Notify the parents via WhatsApp now!"
The student's mother immediately called via speakerphone: "Assalamu'alaikum, Ustadzah. What's wrong with my child? Oh... games again? Okay, just punish her, ma'am. I've installed a lock at home, but the boarding school needs strict SOPs."
In the afternoon, the drama reached its peak: a simulation of serious violations in the hall. The 10th grade IPSA class was assigned to act out 'skipping evening religious study'. Four students pretended to be caught hanging out at a shop near the boarding school. Assistant Ustadz Hasan became the 'discoverer of the violation'.
"Andini, Besti, Caca, Dian! Why did you skip religious study? This is a serious religious violation! SOP procedure: verify witnesses, report to parents, punishment of 2 days suspension + pulpit deposit + social work washing the mosque carpets for a week!"
Andini (pretending) replied: "Sorry, Ustadzah... We were just buying iced tea and lost track of time. We can skip religious lectures if we're tired, right?"
Ustadz Hasan's assistant shook his head. "Skipping religious classes is like skipping prayers! The Hadith of the Prophet says, 'Whoever deliberately abandons prayer has left Islam.' This punishment is a tiered SOP: first, a fine; second, suspension; third, expulsion. The parents will be contacted immediately!"
The parents appeared on the large screen via WhatsApp video call. "My child made a big mistake! Suspension is acceptable, but she must attend additional religious lessons at home. Thank you for being firm," said one mother.
Zahra whispered to Nisa, "Look how neat the procedure is. It's like the boarding school exam procedure: recording violations, verification, sanctions, evaluation, and reporting to the district Ministry of Religious Affairs if it happens repeatedly."
Nisa nodded. "Yes, Za. It's not arbitrary, there are standards. It's like calligraphy: if you make a mistake, there is a procedure for erasing it."
In the afternoon at the mosque, the final evaluation took place: all the students sat in a circle. Ustadz Hasan's assistant held the microphone. "The 4-day discipline test is over. Results: 85% of students complied, 15% received educational punishment. Ria-Fajri became the champions of change: their reflection video went viral in the boarding school group!"
Ria stepped forward. "Thank you, disciplinary SOP. I used to be spoiled, but now I realize: the boarding school rules are like the gates of heaven, protecting us from the hell of gadgets." The audience applauded enthusiastically.
But suddenly, there was a surprise announcement: "A hidden violator has been found! A 12th-grade student was caught dating in the back garden. Emergency procedure: home visit tonight, 5-day suspension, counseling with the ustadzah + parents!"
The atmosphere was silent. A 12th-grade student stepped forward with a pale face. "I'm sorry, everyone... We were just talking. But we know this is forbidden in the boarding school. I accept whatever punishment."
Assistant Ustadz Hasan said softly. "This is the last lesson. The SOP for dating: warning, separation of classes, counseling on a peaceful marriage, and if it happens again, expulsion. Remember the verse: 'And do not approach adultery.'"
That night, in the dormitory, Zahra and her friends gathered. "This test is crazy," said Lina. "From apples to dating, all the SOPs are strict!"
Salsabi laughed. "But it's educational. Punishment is not painful, but medicine. Tomorrow we will be more careful."
Zahra nodded. "True. Discipline is like a calligraphy pen: firm but beautiful in its results."
The night sky over the boarding school was dark, but the hearts of the students now shone—forged by SOPs that were not punishment, but a hidden blessing for souls in the process of growing.