The Three Chosen
131. Persuading Izar
Arriving in Egypt ustadz Hamzah takes Faiq and Iyaz to a boarding house that is deliberately rented to students. The house looks clean and comfortable. Although the price is a little more expensive than other boarding houses but it is located quite close to the campus.
“ Lho, We did not go to Ustadz student dormitory..?” ask Faiq.
“ Ga Mas Faiq, dormitory is full. I've asked my relatives for help to take care of the needs of Iyaz while here. And he said this is the best place even though the price is slightly above average.“ said ustadz Hamzah with a smile.
“ I can stay anywhere Mr. Ustadz. Do not give excessive facilities to me, ntar I even become spoiled and can not be independent. I'm ashamed dong. Male period is not independent...,” said Iyaz is not happy.
Hearing the speech of Iyaz made ustadz Hamzah and Faiq look at each other and laugh. While Iyaz seemed to scratch his head that did not itch while smiling.
“ This is only temporary, son. You can live wherever you want later. If you stay here, then,
can-do. If you don't like it or aren't comfortable, you can find somewhere else. Just make yourself as comfortable as possible. Because if you are comfortable, you will easily absorb knowledge and go home with a proud result later.” said Ustadz Hamzah.
“ After all You also do not know your friends and environment well. Learn the situation first before deciding to move from here, son. I feel this place is good and suitable for you.” said Faiq added while observing the situation around the boarding house.
“ Ok Well..,” sahut Iyaz.
Ustadz Hamzah pressed the doorbell and came out, a man named Ahmed who is of Egyptian descent. Ahmed is fluent in Indonesian, probably because he often interacts with Indonesian students living in Egypt.
“ Assalamualaikum Ahmed..,” greet ustadz Hamzah.
“ Wa aleikumsalam Hamzah's. Let's go in...,” welcome Ahmed kindly while inviting ustadz Hamzah into the house.
“ Oh yes, this is Mas Faiq and his Son Iyaz who will study at Al Azhar campus.” said ustadz Hamzah.
“ Masya Allah, glad to know you.” said Ahmed with a smile.
They also talked for a moment. Afterwards Ahmed drove Iyaz to see the room he was going to occupy. Faiq
the one who went inside nodded his head at the sign that he liked the place.
“ How Well...?” ask Iyaz.
“ Good. The neighborhood is beautiful, not far from the campus, the place is clean, only accommodates male students, and has
curfew. Daddy likes. Insha Allah you will be at home here.” said Faiq.
“ Ok, if so I want to stay here Well..,” said Iyaz enthusiastically.
“ We must thank Ustadz hamzah and Mr. Ahmed for providing this place for you, son.” Faiq said with a smile.
“ Yes Yes Yes. Moreover, Mr. Ahmed said that there are willing to pay a lot to be able to stay here. But Mr. Ahmed insisted on preparing this room for me because Ustadz Hamzah had ordered all day.
Then Faiq and Iyaz returned to the living room to find Ustadz Hamzah and Ahmed.
“ How Nak...?” ask ustadz Hamzah.
“ Yes, I agree to stay here Mr. Ustadz...,” says Iyaz steady.
“ Thankful. If anyone needs to be asked, you can contact Mr. Ahmed. His house is not far from here..” said ustadz Hamzah while looking at Ahmed.
“ Well Mr. Ustadz, thanks..,” said with a smile.
That night Faiq and Ustadz Hamzah stayed in the guest room of Iyaz, while Iyaz chose to join the other hostesses who chatted in the living room. Many things they talk about especially most of the hostel residents are both from Indonesia. It just so happens that myaz's roommate is also from Indonesia named Syahdan.
After a few days of living in Egypt, Iyaz took care of all the necessary administrative files
and making sure that Iyaz stayed in a good place, Faiq and Ustadz Hamzah decided to return to their homeland.
There were no tears of sadness because Iyaz was apparently ready for this condition. Faiq was relieved to find his son was fine when he was about to leave.
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Meanwhile, in Jakarta, Erik was trying to persuade Izar to continue his education with lectures
“ I'm saturated with learning Opa. Dizziness writing in the book. Sometimes I want to see something different.
So I want to work directly so I can make money and do not need to take care of Dad again..,” said Izar when asked what the reason for wanting to work.
“ That's good. Opa is proud of your good intentions..,” said Erik while giving his thumb.
“ Means tomorrow I'll start looking for Opa jobs. Whatever is important halal...,” said Izar spirit.
“ But it will be difficult to find a job without sufficient education and experience you know Nak.” said Erik reminded.
“ I know Opa. I'm ready...,” Izar insisted.
“ What you need to know, every job has a career level of each. If you are just a high school graduate or
equal, then your career is difficult to develop. Because greater career opportunities are provided for those who are Bachelor graduates. While the High School graduates whose job is to run the rules but not the rule holders. You mean Opa...?” erik asked as he stared intently at his unique grandson.
Izar appeared to be stunned for a moment and tried to digest the opa's words. A moment later Izar decided to go out on his bike. Erik agreed because he knew Izar needed time to think about all of his words.
In the heart of Erik sure his words this time will arouse the soul of Izar who does not like to be restrained. In any event
Izar is not the Iyaz that will be easily directed. It takes a lot of ways and ammo to make Izar understand. Not because Izar is stupid, but because Izar is a person who likes freedom. Prefers practice over theory, trusts evidence over promises. And it seems that Erik managed to awaken his grandson about the importance of education in the future.
“ How Pa...?” farah asked, looking at her husband's shoulder.
“ God willing he will understand Ma...,” said Erik with a smile.
“ Thankful. Mama Sama Shera has run out of sense to persuade Izar to go to college..,” said Farah relieved.
“ Izar is a bit stubborn Ma, different from Iyaz...,” said Shera while sitting in front of Farah.
“ Gapapa Nak, hopefully Papa managed to persuade him.
Half an hour later Izar had returned with a lot of sapodilla fruit that he had found out of nowhere.
“ Assalamualaikum Bunda, Oma, Opa..,” greet Izar.
“ Wa aleikumsalam, what is this Zar...?” ask Shera.
“ Sawo Bun..,” sahut Izar relax.
“ Mother knows, but for what and you can from where.?” ask Shera.
“ Metics in the field with friends Bun. They brought the sapodilla home, yes I took it with me..,” sahut Izar while bringing the sapodilla into the house and wash it.
Erik, Farah and Shera looked at each other and then laughed. A moment later Izar returned with a container containing sapodilla that he had washed clean. Izar put a container of sapodilla on the table and ate it voraciously. Erik and Farah tasted the sapodilla and seemed to nod their heads.
“ Mmm..., I already know what Opa meant earlier..,” said Izar suddenly to make Erik turn towards him.
“ Oh yes, how to go..?” ask Erik.
“ Ok, I agree to Opa lectures. But let me choose the department that I want to take..” Izar said quickly.
“ Deal...,” Erik said as he extended his hand.
“ Deal...,” Izar said while shaking the hand of the opa to make everyone laugh happily.
That's how Erik handles ‘unique grandson’nya it. No pull of neck veins, no tension. Just a discussion
light can make Izar aware of the importance of education. Shera seemed to smile with relief seeing Erik manage to persuade Izar.
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