Aiman Azlan's Blog

Alia: You wanted to see me? Abi: Yes. Come, sit with me for a moment. Alia: What’s up? Abi: What Ali’s dad said, made me think. Allah, how time flies! I could’ve sworn that you’re still a 5-year-old girl. I can’t believe that you’re getting married soon. Alia: Abi, whether I’m 5 or 20 years old, I will always be your little girl. Abi: (Smiles) I guess so. But Insha Allah, next month you’ll be Ali’s wife. That means that he will be your No. 1 man, not me. Not anymore. Do you understand? Alia: Abi, why do you talk like that? You’re making me sad. Abi: Lia...do you understand? Alia cries. Alia: Yes, Abi. I do. But know this...you will always be my first love. Abi cries and embraces his daughter.  Abi: I love you so much. ***** A month has passed. Both families are in the Masjid for the ‘aqad ceremony. Ali: Oi, take a look at my sampin . Is it crooked? Ahmad: You look fine. How many times do you need to ask me that? Ali: Bro, I’m nervous! Look ...

Ahmad sends Alia a text… Ahmad:  Yo, where’s ma cookie? I’m starvin’ here! Alia: JUST WAIT! Alia walks to the living room with refreshments for the guests: Ali and his parents.   Mom: Oh, so this is Alia? Ummi: The one and only. Mom: My, my, she’s pretty! Alia can only smile. Ahmad is holding back his laughter.  Abi: Ali told me that you work as the principal in the school right by the traffic light. Dad: Yes, that is correct. But not for long though. Insha Allah I’ll be retiring in 2 years. It’s about time that my only child here got married. Abi: I hope everything goes well until your retirement, Insha Allah. Finally got this one off your shoulders eh? Dad: (Laughs) That’s right. So Ali, do you have a date in mind for the wedding? Ali: Well that depends on you Dad, and on uncle too of course. For me, I prefer not to prolong the wedding. Abi: How about next month? Dad: Sounds good. Mom: Are you okay with that, Ali? Ali:  (Nods...

Abi: Ali...I don't think this is going to work out. Ali exhales heavily, but the sadness inside is still there. Helpless.   [Flashback starts] Ali knocks on his parents’ bedroom door. Ali: Assalamualaikum. Dad: Waalaikumussalam warahmatullah. Come in. Ali sits with his parents.  Ali: So...how was the meeting with the Ustadh? What do you guys think? Mom: Hmm...we understood and agreed with what he said. Ali: But? Dad: But it’s easier said than done. Ali: I’ve known it all along that there will be unpleasant remarks about how I want my walimah to be like. And, I know that those remarks will cause you emotional pain. Ali senses the uneasiness in his parents. Ali: But if we keep on going with what the people want, then when will it end? Someone has to start the change, and I want to be that someone. Dad: What about Alia? Ali: She and I are on the same boat. She wants a simple wedding. Dad: Her parents? Ali: I don’t know about them. I’...

Ali places his cup on the table. Ummi:  You’re not thinking of wearing a typical baju kurung do you? Alia: That would be ideal to me. However, I’m not going to blindly disregard our society. Of course I will present myself as a bride, but a Muslim bride. And, I will decide how much decoration I will wear. Ali:  Sorry, I would like to add something: I am confident that a Muslimah like Alia will bear the limitations in mind. And like Alia, I’m not totally ignoring the culture. Like I said before, we just need to filter out what we can’t wear and adopt what we can wear. Abi: Okay, if Lia wants to decide on the dress that’s fine with me. But Ummi and I have to approve of it first. Just in case you come off looking too...unfashionable. Ahmad is taken aback by what his father just said.  Alia: Abi, it’s impossible to satisfy every single person. I am tolerating as much as I can, within limits set by our religion. Let me wear what I wanna wear, please. Abi look...

Abi: Ahmad, where’s Ali? Ahmad: No idea. Wait, lemme text him. Ali’s phone rings. Ahmad: Where are you? Ali: Outside your house. Scared to death!  Ahmad walks out of the house. Ahmad: Assalamualaikum! Ali: Waalaikumussalam warahmatullah. Ahmad: Why didn’t you call me? Ali: I’m freaking out here man! What should I say to your dad? Ahmad: You think too much. You'll be fine. Just get in! Slowly, Ali walks into the house.  Ali: Assalamualaikum, uncle. Abi: Waalaikumussalam warahmatullah. Please, take a seat. Ali sits down. The sofa was comfortable, but he wasn’t. Abi can tell that he’s nervous and he remains silent, deliberately. He didn’t want to start. He smiles and waits. Alia comes out with the drinks. Alia: Please, help yourself. Ali takes a sip, hoping that the awkwardness will subside. Clearly it’s pointless. He realizes that he needs to step up. Ali: (Clears throat) I think…you already know why I’m here right? Abi: Why are ...