Romo, who had been silent and deep in thought, looked at his two friends with a puzzled expression. "But... I'm not sure if my father will have a clearer solution. He knows more about the business world in general, not about our research. But, it's worth a try. If we don't ask, we'll never know."
With a firm decision, the three of them agreed to visit Romo's father. They made their way to his house, which wasn't too far from where they were, hoping to gain a clearer perspective.
Upon arrival, the atmosphere of Romo's father's home felt peaceful, as if welcoming them for a long conversation. Romo's father, Pak Hasan, was sitting on the porch, reading a newspaper while sipping a warm cup of tea. When he saw them, he looked up and smiled.
"Ah, kids... what's going on? You look so serious," Pak Hasan said, setting his newspaper on the table.
Romo immediately explained, "Dad, we need your advice. About the market, and what we're doing there. We're feeling confused, not sure what to do next. There are many issues, from mystical things to conflicts with the vendors, and we're also unsure about the solutions we've been trying to implement."
Pak Hasan nodded slowly, listening intently. "Hmm... so you've started helping the vendors in the market? And now it's becoming more complicated with other issues arising?"
Marlon, feeling like he was getting closer to clarity, continued, "Yes, Dad. We started helping Bu Siti, and gradually more vendors got involved. But it turns out more problems came up. Some are using mystical practices, others are hiring extra staff, which just adds to the burden. We're starting to wonder if what we're doing is right."
Riri added, "Yes, and there's also an economic impact we didn't anticipate. Helping them by adding staff has made things more difficult for them financially. Technology is also hard to implement because most of them don't have access to it. So, we feel stuck."
Pak Hasan looked at them wisely. "Kids, you've done your best. But the market is not just about buying and selling; there are many things that aren't visible from the outside. There's culture, there are habits, and sometimes there are things that are hard to explain logically, especially in small business environments like traditional markets."
He leaned back in his chair and continued, "The solutions you're looking for may not be easy. Sometimes, in business, things need to be handled slowly, not with quick fixes. When we talk about economics, yes, there will always be risks. Vendors must be ready for the ups and downs. But the most important thing is that they maintain quality and trust."
Romo seemed more at ease after hearing his father's explanation, but a trace of worry remained on his face. "So, according to you, should we keep helping Bu Siti and the other vendors like this? Or is it better if we step back?"
Pak Hasan looked at Romo seriously. "Try to see the positive side. When you help the other vendors, it's not just about them selling more smoothly, but you're also giving them something more. You're opening their minds to share and learn. That's more than just a business solution. But you must also understand your limits. Don't let your good intentions become a burden for them."
Marlon thought for a moment, "So, we can't force a solution that we think is good, but we need to adjust it to their circumstances, right?"
Pak Hasan smiled, "Exactly. Sometimes the best way to help is by giving them options, not pre-made solutions. Let them choose what's best for them, with guidance from you. Don't become a burden for them, especially by adding more work or new problems."
With those words, they all felt a little relieved. Although they were still confused, Pak Hasan's advice gave them a new perspective that was more realistic. They now understood that helping the vendors in the market was not a problem that could be solved with quick and instant solutions. They needed to be more sensitive to the market's conditions and wiser in offering help.
The three of them sat in Romo's living room, the atmosphere feeling heavy. They were all silent, unsure of which path to choose. After a while, Romo finally spoke up.
"Sometimes, we feel trapped in confusion," Romo said softly. "What we're doing at the market seems good, but it also brings unintended consequences. Many people have changed, but there are also many who feel burdened by the changes."
Riri sighed. "Yeah, Mo. I'm starting to feel doubtful. On one hand, we can help those vendors, but on the other hand, we're just adding to their burden. We help them, but in a way that makes things harder for them."
Marlon nodded in agreement. "Exactly, we encourage young people to sell, giving them opportunities, but at the same time, we're increasing competition in the market, which could make things even more complicated."
Romo rubbed his chin and looked at them alternately. "Maybe we need to look at this from a deeper perspective. What we're doing, is it only focused on the worldly aspect? It seems like we need more consideration, maybe from a religious perspective."
Riri and Marlon exchanged looks, unsure. "But how, Mo?" Riri asked.
Romo gave a slight smile, "I was thinking, maybe we could visit the pesantren where I studied before, meet with the ustad there who might offer us a different perspective. From a religious standpoint, is what we're doing in line with the teachings? Maybe by doing that, we can gain some enlightenment."
Marlon nodded. "But, is this the right path? We don't even know where to go next after this."
Riri still looked uncertain, but finally said, "Maybe this is the only way that could give us a broader perspective. We have to try, at least."
Romo looked at them calmly. "Right. Sometimes, we need an outside perspective to find the right path. Let's search for the answer together."
They all stood up, feeling a little more at ease, although still full of confusion. Their journey to the pesantren might provide an answer, or at least some clarity on the path they should take.
The journey to Romo's pesantren took longer than they had expected. Although they had prepared everything, the long trip still felt exhausting. From Bandung, they had to travel about four hours to reach a village on the outskirts of the city. The winding and uphill road, surrounded by lush trees, offered a fresher air compared to the hustle and bustle of the city.
Riri, who usually wasn't very patient, broke the silence. "Why is it so far, Mo? This trip feels endless." She leaned back in her seat, staring out the window as the view slowly changed from the city to the countryside.
Marlon, sitting next to her, chuckled. "Don't worry, we can only find the answers here. We're not just passing through, right? If we have to go far to find enlightenment, we have to be ready." He glanced at Romo, as if offering encouragement.
Romo just smiled as he listened to their conversation. "Yes, sometimes enlightenment comes from far and unexpected places. We need time to reflect, not just on what we're doing, but also on why we're doing it. This place has the peace that can help us find the answer."
The journey felt heavier as the sun began to set. They stopped several times to rest, fill their stomachs, and enjoy the peaceful rural atmosphere. After a few more hours, they finally arrived at the pesantren. The difference from city life was immediately felt. The air was cooler, the land more fertile, and the sounds of nature replaced the usual hustle and bustle of daily life.
The pesantren was simple, yet full of peace. In front of it, they were greeted by a santri wearing a sarong and cap. "Welcome, Romo," the santri greeted them politely.
Romo smiled. "Thank you. We came to speak with Ustad Hadi. Is he here?"
The santri nodded and invited them inside. Inside, several santris were sitting, reciting the Quran, and in the corner of the room, there was an Ustad writing at a simple wooden desk. The Ustad, who was Romo's teacher, looked wise with a calm expression.
Romo approached and softly said, "Ustad, I brought my friends to discuss something. We're feeling confused about the path we've chosen. May we talk?"
Ustad Hadi lifted his head and smiled. "Of course, come in. What is troubling your hearts?"
They sat around a small table and immediately began a long discussion about their experiences in the market and the confusion they were facing. Riri, Marlon, and Romo each spoke in turn, expressing their confusion, while Ustad listened attentively.
After settling comfortably in the simple room of the pesantren, the three of them began to recount the long journey they had undertaken. Marlon started by explaining their research on the Seven Deadly Sins and Seven Heavenly Virtues, and how this topic led them to the market, meeting Bu Siti, and eventually becoming directly involved in the lives of the traders.
Riri continued, explaining in more detail how they began helping Bu Siti with her sales and observing the behaviors of the traders, which turned out to be not only related to economics but also to deeper matters like culture and religion. "We thought that by helping more people, we could bring change, but instead, we've been faced with various challenges, from physical disturbances to supernatural ones. We're getting more confused about what to do," Riri explained, looking exhausted from all her confusion.
Marlon continued, delving deeper into the dilemma they were facing. "We feel that what we did to help Bu Siti was good, but there are also consequences that make us worry. We started with good intentions, but is what we're doing right, or is it causing harm? And, is this really the right path for change?"
Romo, who had been silent for a while, finally spoke. "We're not expecting an instant solution, Ustad. We just feel confused. We've started to become lulled by the seemingly positive results, but on the other hand, a lot of negative things are coming up. So, we feel like we're at a crossroads."
The Ustad nodded attentively, looking at each of them in turn. After a few moments of silence, he began to speak softly, "Patience and sincerity—that is the first key you must hold. You have already made an effort with good intentions. However, life is full of tests, and those tests come in many forms—good or bad, easy or hard. There is no perfect path, only the path we must walk with full awareness and sincerity."
He paused for a moment, observing them as they seemed to reflect. "When we act with good intentions, Allah will provide a way. But that does not mean the journey will always be smooth. What you are facing is part of the test, and in this test, what's more important is how we respond."
The Ustad continued, "You are searching for the truth, and in seeking the truth, there are many things to consider. It's not just about the economy or the immediate impact of your actions, but also how your hearts are in each step you take. Whatever you do, pray that your hearts remain true. Remember, change begins with ourselves."
Riri, Marlon, and Romo looked at each other. They felt a bit more at ease after hearing the Ustad's advice. Though no definite solution was given, the Ustad's words offered some clarity in their confusion.
Ustad added once more, "Don't rush to draw conclusions. Sometimes, we focus too much on the result, but the process and the sincerity of our hearts are what truly matter. If your intentions are pure, keep praying, and surrender your efforts. Allah will guide you at the right time."
Marlon nodded, feeling a bit lighter. "Thank you, Ustad. Your advice means a lot."
Riri spoke up as well, "We feel calmer now. Maybe we've been too focused on the end result and forgot about the importance of the journey itself."
Romo, who had been deep in thought until then, finally smiled. "Yes, maybe this is what we needed—to be more patient, sincere, and to pray."
Ustad looked at them with great attention, then continued his explanation. "At that time, Prophet Muhammad SAW did not only change the way people traded, but he also changed society's perspective on business itself. Before, many people saw business as just a way to make a profit, without considering the impact their actions had on others. But the Prophet taught that in every transaction, there are rights that must be fulfilled, and there is a moral responsibility to others."
Ustad gazed at them with meaningful eyes. "The Prophet Muhammad SAW taught the importance of honesty in every transaction. In one of his hadiths, he said, 'A truthful and trustworthy seller will be with the prophets and martyrs on the Day of Judgment.' That is an extraordinary reward, showing how vital these values are in Islam. But it's not just about avoiding lies or deceit; the Prophet also taught us not to take advantage of others who are in difficulty."
He paused for a moment, then continued, "The Prophet also taught the importance of honest weighing. In those days, many merchants cheated by weighing goods unfairly. Prophet Muhammad emphasized that every transaction must be fair, and no party should be harmed. Even in matters that might seem trivial, like weighing rice or selling goods, he taught that every merchant should act justly."
Ustad then went on with another story, "When Prophet Muhammad SAW began trading, he also showed that the blessing in business doesn't come from huge profits but from the honesty and integrity we carry in every step. He taught that the quality of goods sold must match the price asked, and buyers must be given honest information about what they're purchasing. That's what made him so respected—not just for his honesty but also for the way he treated others with great respect."
Ustad looked at the three of them, as if ensuring they were absorbing every word he spoke. "However, despite all this, Prophet Muhammad SAW also understood the various challenges faced by every merchant. He knew that not everyone could act justly in the midst of fierce competition. Therefore, he also taught to pray, be patient, and remain sincere in all business dealings. In this way, Allah will grant blessings that can be seen not only physically but also spiritually."
Ustad paused, giving them a moment to absorb what he had just said. Then, gently, he continued, "Remember, doing business in Islam is not just about worldly gains. That is important, but what is more important is how we maintain honesty, uphold justice, and always guard our intentions. If our intentions are pure and we follow the principles taught by the Prophet, then, insha'Allah, all our efforts will be blessed."
Ustad concluded his talk with a smile, "So, when you feel doubtful or confused, return to your original intention. Don't get caught up in just the end result, but focus on the process. Have you upheld these principles in every step you've taken? If so, then you are on the right path. Keep going, with patience and sincerity, and leave the final outcome to Allah."
The room fell silent for a moment, as the three of them sat still, reflecting on every word they had just heard from Ustad.
Marlon asked realistically, "Ustad, the situation now seems much more complicated. The reality today is so different from the past, and we are nobody. We can only offer solutions without certainty. We're confused."
Ustad looked at Marlon with a look full of understanding. He knew very well that life in the time of Prophet Muhammad SAW was different from what the current generations face. The increasingly complex situation, full of challenges and uncertainties, certainly made every decision feel heavier. Ustad took a deep breath before answering gently, but meaningfully.
"True, Marlon," Ustad replied, "The situation now is indeed much more complicated than in the time of the Prophet. In this context, you are facing challenges that cannot be easily solved. The fierce competition, the systems that sometimes don't support goodness, and the many factors that make decision-making difficult—these are indeed heavy."
He continued in a calmer voice, "But remember, life is indeed full of uncertainties. You don't need to feel too burdened by the uncertain outcomes. What matters most is how you maintain your intentions, how you hold on to the right principles, even when the world around you may not always support them. You may not be anyone, as you say, but every step you take with good intentions already makes an impact, even if it's not immediately visible."
Ustad spoke firmly, "You cannot control everything that happens outside of yourselves, but you can control yourselves. You can choose to remain fair, honest, and consistent with the principles you believe in. That is your task as people who wish to do good. Regarding solutions without certainty, it is something we often face. But don't let that uncertainty make you retreat. Continue with sincerity and patience, and trust that your steps will not be in vain."
Ustad smiled faintly, "As the Prophet said, 'Indeed, deeds are judged by their intentions.' You may not see the results right now, but believe that every good deed you do with sincere intentions will bring benefit, both in this world and the Hereafter. Your duty is to strive to the best of your ability, and the final outcome is Allah's matter."
Marlon sat seriously, his eyes focused on Ustad with deep curiosity. He took a deep breath before finally speaking in a calm yet thoughtful voice.