
On a sunny afternoon in the small town where Vienna lives, the sun shines brightly and makes the surrounding gardens look more lively. Vienna is excited and enthusiastic. He has decided to start his spiritual journey by practicing prayer regularly. However, he also felt he needed guidance to understand more deeply the meaning and ordinances of prayer.
With steady steps, Vienna decided to visit the mosque which was often where she took religious classes. The mosque is a magnificent building with beautiful architecture, and a small garden with shady trees that surround it. The tree, which once looked dry and dead, is now beginning to bloom again with fresh green leaves.
Vienna arrived at the mosque and entered the big door with a hopeful heart. He looked around, felt a little nervous, and then stepped in. The atmosphere in the mosque was calm and serene. People sit on soft carpets, reciting the Quran or reciting in silence.
At the end of the room, he saw a woman sitting on a simple wooden chair with a religious book in her hand. The woman had a friendly smile on her face and long black hair was scattered. Vienna approached and felt the need to introduce itself.
"Assalamu'alaikum" said Vienna politely, "I am Vienna. I want to learn more about prayer and spirituality. Can I get some guidance?"
Ustazah Aminah, the wise woman, smiled kindly. "Wa'alaikumsalam, Vienna" he replied. "I am Ustazah Aminah. I'm glad to hear that you want to explore religion. Of course, I will gladly be your mentor on this spiritual journey."
Vienna was relieved to hear the approval of Ustazah Aminah. They then sat together in one of the quiet corners of the mosque, facing towards the Qibla. Ustazah Aminah began to explain the initial steps of prayer to Vienna patiently and attentively. He gave a guidebook of prayers and helped Vienna understand the meaning of each movement and prayer recited during prayer.
As the sun began to sink in the western horizon, they began to pray together Maghrib. Ustazah Aminah showed her steps gently, and Vienna tried to follow closely. Although he was still awkward, he felt a deep sense of solemnity as he prostrated before God.
After the prayer, Vienna and Ustazah Aminah sat together again. "Thank you very much, Ustazah Aminah," said Vienna sincerely. "I feel that today is the beginning of a very important spiritual journey for me."
Ustazah Aminah smiled warmly. "This is a meaningful step, Vienna. Always remember that God always hears your prayers and prostrations. I will always be here to help you on this journey. Let's study together."
Vienna felt supported and guided by Ustazah Aminah. He knew that this journey would be full of challenges, but he was ready to face it with a strong determination. In that quiet mosque, with green trees outside the windows, the spiritual journey of Vienna begins with a definite and hopeful step.
Day by day, Vienna became more diligent in learning to pray with Ustazah Aminah. The quiet mosque and the beautiful gardens around it bear witness to their intense spiritual journey. Every morning and evening, they gather at the mosque to continue learning.
The atmosphere inside the mosque is always full of calm. Vienna and Ustazah Aminah sat on a soft carpet, facing the Qibla, ready to begin prayer practice. The cool and fragrant air of the flowers in the garden of the mosque makes them feel peaceful.
On one of the sunny mornings, they sat down together with a prayer guidebook that opened among them. Ustazah Aminah patiently explains every movement and prayer that must be done during prayer.
"Remember, Vienna," said Ustazah Aminah gently, "sholat is our special time to communicate with God. When we stand before Him, we must be wholehearted and our minds focused on Him."
Vienna listened enthusiastically. "I try, Ustazah Aminah. But sometimes my mind drifts away."
Ustazah Aminah smiled. "It was a common experience, Vienna. When our minds drift, we must remind ourselves to refocus on prayer. Prayer is an important time to contemplate and bow before God."
They started doing the prayer exercises. Vienna meticulously followed every step shown by Ustazah Aminah. He seeks to understand the meaning of each movement, such as the pillars that symbolize humility and prostration that show obedience.
Ustazah Aminah continued, "During prayer, we also read prayers. This is a time to talk to God and express our wants and needs. Don't forget to reflect on the meaning of these prayers."
For a few weeks, they continued to train together. Vienna is getting smoother in performing prayers and feels closer to God. When they finished, they sat together again, talking about their feelings and experiences during the exercise.
"How are you feeling now, Vienna?" ask Ustazah Aminah.
Vienna pondered for a moment before replying, "I feel that every prayer is an opportunity to talk to God, Ustazah. I feel my yearning deepening every day."
Ustazah Aminah smiled. "That is a sign that your spiritual journey is well underway, Vienna. Keep persevering and always thinking about the true meaning of prayer. God always listens to your prayers."
The two of them sat in silence, contemplating the spiritual journey they were taking together. Vienna felt fortunate to have Ustazah Aminah as her mentor, and she was ready to continue this journey with a strong determination.
The atmosphere in the quiet mosque still remained the same as usual when Vienna and Ustazah Aminah gathered to continue the prayer practice. However, in the heart of Vienna, there was a deep feeling of unease. He had been training for several weeks, but felt that he was having increasing difficulty in performing the prayer.
They sat together, and Vienna began to speak with an anxious look on her face. "Ustazah Aminah, I find it very difficult to perform prayers. Sometimes, the movements felt stiff and it was hard for me to follow properly. And when I have to do it in front of others, I feel ashamed."
Ustazah Aminah listened attentively. "Vienna, this is natural in your spiritual journey. Everyone has trouble at first. Prayer is a worship that involves physical movements as well as spiritual aspects. Remember that patience is the key to this journey."
Vienna nodded with a feeling of relief. "I try to focus and concentrate, but sometimes my mind drifts away. I feel that I am not good enough in the prayer."
Ustazah Aminah smiled gently. "Vienna, don't be so hard on yourself. Allah is Oft-Forgiving, and He knows your efforts and goodwill. When your mind drifts, try to bring back your focus on prayer. It is a journey that takes time and practice. Every day is an opportunity to improve."
The two of them then began their usual prayer practice. Vienna tried to follow each movement better this time, although he still felt awkward. Ustazah Aminah gave him constant encouragement and direction.
When it came time to stand in prayer, Vienna felt her heartbeat intensify. He knew that this was the time to practice what he had learned. However, when he started moving, he felt his body stiff, and he felt unsure about the movements to be made.
Ustazah Aminah stood beside him, guiding him gently. "Vienna, reflect on the meaning behind this movement. When we get along, we show humility before God. When we bow down, we show our obedience to Him. This is the moment when we are truly with God."
Vienna tried to focus on the words of Ustazah Aminah and the meaning behind those movements. Despite still feeling awkward, he felt that each move was a true expression of his heart. He felt that he was really in the presence of God, and the shame slowly disappeared.
After the prayer, Vienna sat down with Ustazah Aminah. She still felt a little nervous, but also felt relieved at having overcome her first hardship.
Ustazah Aminah smiled. "Vienna, remember that every journey begins with the first step. You've stepped into this spiritual journey, and it's a great achievement. Adversity is part of this journey, but it is also an opportunity to grow and strengthen our faith."
Vienna was grateful to her mentor for his support. He felt the spirit to continue this journey, ready to face all the difficulties that might come in front of him. With newfound confidence, the two of them continued their practice, pursuing a deeper meaning in prayer.