Chapter One: Loss and Hope**

**Badis ibn Habous (Abdullah's grandfather):** "Tamim, come here, I need to talk to you."

**Tamim (a 6-year-old child):** "Yes, Grandfather? What do you want?"

**Badis ibn Habous:** "We have lost your mother, and it is a profound sorrow. Her loss has not been easy, especially after your father's passing. I am deeply saddened and grieving, and I need time to come to terms with this reality."

**Tamim:** "I understand, Grandfather. But I don't feel happy. Why did they leave?"

**Badis ibn Habous:** "Death is a part of life, and Tamim, life is not always easy. In these moments, we remember the beautiful times we spent with them. I miss them greatly, and this feeling pains the heart."

**Tamim:** "How can we live without them?"

**Badis ibn Habous:** "Grief will not disappear easily, but we need to be patient. We are now responsible for Abdullah, and we must take care of him and keep their memory alive in our hearts. By caring for him, we will feel as if they are still with us in some way."

**Tamim:** "I will try to be kind to Abdullah, but I always feel sad."

**Badis ibn Habous:** "That is natural, Tamim. It is important to express our feelings and remain faithful to their memory. You will find that over time, we will have beautiful memories to hold on to and cherish."

**Tamim:** "I am sorry they are no longer with us. But I will do everything I can to be good."

**Badis ibn Habous:** "I know you will. Together, we will be strong for each other and overcome these sorrows."

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**Badis ibn Habous:** "Abdullah, come here. I want to talk to you about something important."

**Abdullah (appearing to be six years old):** "Yes, Grandfather? What is it?"

**Badis ibn Habous:** "Now that you're older, it's time to learn reading, writing, and memorizing the Quran. This is a big responsibility, but I am confident you will be able to handle it."

**Abdullah:** "But, Grandfather, what about studying? Will it be difficult?"

**Badis ibn Habous:** "It might be challenging at first, but learning is very important. It will help you understand and preserve our faith, which is essential. I've spoken with Sheikh Muhyiddin, one of the best teachers in Granada."

**Abdullah:** "And what did Sheikh Muhyiddin say? Did he agree to teach me?"

**Badis ibn Habous:** "Yes, Sheikh Muhyiddin agreed to teach you after my insistence. He is a wise and experienced teacher who will guide you in your learning. It will be beneficial for you to learn from him."

**Abdullah:** "I'm excited to start learning, Grandfather. What will I learn first?"

**Badis ibn Habous:** "First, you will begin with reading and writing. After that, we will focus on memorizing the Quran and understanding its meanings. Sheikh Muhyiddin will guide you every step of the way."

**Abdullah:** "I will do my best, Grandfather. I want to learn and become good at it."

**Badis ibn Habous:** "I am sure you will. Your commitment and dedication to learning will be key to your success. Always remember that this is part of your responsibility to your faith and our family."

**Abdullah:** "Thank you, Grandfather. I will start tomorrow."

**Badis ibn Habous:** "Excellent, Abdullah. I will be here to support you every step of the way. Let's go now to meet Sheikh Muhyiddin and start preparing for your lessons."

---

**Sheikh Muhyiddin:** "Abdullah, sit here. Today we will begin your lessons in reading and writing. I want you to stay focused and work hard."

**Abdullah (slightly anxious):** "Yes, Sheikh Muhyiddin. I will do my best."

**Sheikh Muhyiddin:** "That's what I want to hear. I don't want you to slack off. Learning isn't easy, but it's important. If you don't put in the effort, you won't make any progress."

**Abdullah:** "I'm ready to work, but... why are you so strict?"

**Sheikh Muhyiddin:** "Honesty is important, Abdullah. Education requires discipline and effort. I want you to be strong and patient. The only way to become a good learner is through hard work."

**Abdullah:** "I understand, Sheikh. I will try to be more serious."

**Sheikh Muhyiddin:** "Great. Now, let's start with the reading lesson. I want you to read this text clearly, and if you make mistakes, I'll take you back to the beginning until you master it."

**Abdullah:** "Okay, I'll start now."

**Abdullah:** "And what about learning combat skills and sports like horseback riding and fencing? Why do you think they are important too?"

**Sheikh Muhyiddin:** "Combat skills and sports build physical strength and endurance. They are also ways to learn discipline and courage. A strong leader must be physically and mentally prepared to face challenges."

**Abdullah:** "Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by all the training. Do you have any advice for dealing with this pressure?"

**Sheikh Muhyiddin:** "Fatigue is part of the learning and development process. You need to find a balance between work and rest. Try to organize your time well, and allocate time for relaxation and reflection on what you've learned. Remember, tough times contribute to strengthening your resilience and patience."

**Abdullah:** "How can I improve my performance in battles and training more quickly?"

**Sheikh Muhyiddin:** "Improving performance requires focus and regular practice. Listen to your trainers' feedback and review your mistakes to understand them. Don't rush the results; improvement comes gradually through perseverance."

**Abdullah:** "I think I need a deeper understanding of some parts of the Quran. How can I improve my comprehension of the verses?"

**Sheikh Muhyiddin:** "The best way to understand the Quran is through interpretation and reflection. Use tafsir books, and seek help if you don't understand something. Review the meanings and think about how to apply them in your life."

**Abdullah:** "Sometimes I find it hard to concentrate during lessons. Do you have any tips for improving focus?"

**Sheikh Muhyiddin:** "Maintain a quiet and comfortable study environment and avoid distractions. Set small goals for your lessons and take short breaks to refresh yourself. Focus improves with practice and patience."

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**Abdullah (curiously):** "Sheikh Muhyiddin, what is the importance of prayer and how can it affect our daily lives?"

**Sheikh Muhyiddin:** "Prayer is the foundation of the faith and a direct means of communicating with Allah. It impacts our daily lives by enhancing our sense of tranquility and reinforcing moral values. It serves as a constant reminder of Allah's presence and the necessity of worship in our lives."

**Abdullah:** "How can we increase our sincerity in prayer? Sometimes I feel like I perform it as a routine without enough devotion."

**Sheikh Muhyiddin:** "To increase sincerity in prayer, try to be mindful of what you are saying and doing during your prayers. Recite with reflection and think about the meanings of the verses and supplications. Make prayer an opportunity to draw closer to Allah and seek forgiveness and mercy."

**Abdullah:** "Can you explain the meaning of zakat and why it is important in Islam?"

**Sheikh Muhyiddin:** "Zakat is an act of worship that involves purifying wealth and helping those in need. It represents compassion and social justice, as it involves sharing wealth with the poor and needy. Zakat helps build a cohesive and just community."

**Abdullah:** "How can I strengthen my relationship with the Quran and make it part of my daily life?"

**Sheikh Muhyiddin:** "To strengthen your relationship with the Quran, set aside daily time for reading and reflecting on it. Use tafsir books to clarify difficult meanings and participate in study sessions to enhance your understanding. Try to apply what you've learned in your daily life."

**Abdullah:** "What is the difference between fasting during Ramadan and fasting as a general act of worship? Why is fasting during Ramadan so important?"

**Sheikh Muhyiddin:** "Fasting during Ramadan is a mandatory act for every Muslim and is distinguished by being a communal worship that fosters unity and piety. General fasting is practiced at other times to draw closer to Allah and purify the soul. Ramadan fasting holds special value as it offers an opportunity for spiritual purificatio

n and a reminder of the less fortunate."

**Sheikh Muhyiddin:** "Doubts about religion are natural. We can address them through continuous study and seeking advice from trustworthy scholars. The most important thing is to be sincere in your quest for knowledge and to keep questioning and learning."

**Abdullah:** "How can I strengthen my faith when I face difficulties in life?"

**Sheikh Muhyiddin:** "Challenges and difficulties are tests of faith. You can strengthen your faith through patience, turning to Allah with prayer and seeking forgiveness, and remembering Allah's blessings. Hard times are opportunities to reinforce faith, develop patience, and trust in Allah."

**Abdullah:** "Sometimes I feel anxious about the future. Do you have any religious advice for dealing with these feelings?"

**Sheikh Muhyiddin:** "Anxiety about the future is common, but it can be managed by placing trust in Allah and believing in His plans. Work hard and do your best, then leave the rest to Allah. Praying and reflecting on Quranic verses that encourage tranquility and trust in Allah can help alleviate anxiety."

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**Time:** A sorrowful afternoon

**Location:** The family cemetery, where Abdullah and Tamim stand by their parents' grave, with their grandfather (Badis ibn Habous) beside them

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**Grandfather (Badis ibn Habous):** (sitting beside the grave, wiping his tears, speaking softly) "Abdullah never met his parents, but every time I look at this grave, I feel profound sadness knowing he never knew them. They lost so much in their lives, and it's not easy to stay strong without them."

**Abdullah:** (holding his grandfather's hand tenderly, with tears in his eyes) "I never got to know my parents, but I feel a huge void in my life. I want to understand what they were like and live in a way that fulfills their hopes for me."

**Tamim:** (placing his hand on Abdullah's shoulder, crying) "Grandfather, I'm also sad that Abdullah never knew his parents. But we are here to be his family now and support him. I want us to be strong and keep our parents' memory alive."

**Grandfather:** (wiping his tears, looking at the grave, then speaking with a trembling voice) "Your father was brave and devoted. I knew he hoped for a better life for you both, and I hope we achieve that dream by educating and caring for you."

**Abdullah:** (with a sad but determined voice) "I will do my best to be someone they would be proud of. Even though I never met them, I deeply feel the need to fulfill their hopes."

**Tamim:** (emotionally) "We carry their legacy now, and we must live with courage and determination, as they would have if they were with us. You will achieve everything you aspire to, Abdullah, and your parents' memory will remain alive in our hearts."

**Grandfather:** "I want you both to know that each of you is part of your father's legacy. The challenges you face now are part of your journey to realize what they hoped for. I want you to be strong and patient."

**Abdullah:** (calmly, with resolve) "I will share stories of my parents and work hard to achieve their dreams. I will uphold their values and honor their memory."

**Tamim:** "We will overcome this sorrow together and learn from their sacrifices. We will stay united and preserve our family with all our strength."

**Grandfather:** "Let us pray and ask for mercy and forgiveness for them. May hope be in our hearts that they see us now and are pleased with our efforts."