"The School Wall: Where Freedom Was Found, But the Heart Remained Imprisoned There"

The place I spent years considering a prison, today I have fallen in love with that very prison.

Poetry

There was a strange attraction in the fate of the prisoner in the cage

I have been released, but I sit here sadly

Introduction:

It is human nature to love freedom, and when one is bound by discipline or rules, those walls begin to look like a prison. A few years ago, when I entered the four walls of this Madrasa (religious school), the restrictions here, waking up early in the morning, the repetition bells, and the strictness of the teachers seemed like imprisonment to me. But today, when the time has come to depart from here, my heart is crying tears of blood, and I realize that what I considered a prison was actually the safest and most radiant place in my life.

Love hidden in restrictions:

The specific system of the Madrasa, sitting at the table on time, reminding of lessons, and studying late into the night, initially felt like a burden. I wanted to get out of here and get lost in the colors of the free world. But today, the truth has come to light that this "imprisonment" was actually a shield to protect us from the trials of the world. The scolding of the teachers, which we considered strictness, was the hammer of a goldsmith to shape our character.

Laughing with the companions of this "prison," eating from the same plate, secretly talking at night, and helping each other in exam preparation—these were the chains that bound us to each other's hearts. Today, every corner of the Madrasa, the courtyard of the mosque, the tables of the library, and the old books are asking me, "Did you really want to be free from this prison?"

Today, when I have packed my bags and the journey back is in front of me, the freedom of the world seems like a terrifying jungle. Now I realize that in the outside world there is slavery to the self, while in this "prison" there is worship of God and peace. There was sweetness in every restriction here and a lesson in every command.

The truth is that the place that made us human, where we found the light of the Quran and Hadith, that place is not a prison but a piece of paradise. Today, my heart is crying out, "Oh, if only I could remain in this prison forever!" This is not a separation but a promise that the light we have gained from here, we will spread it throughout the world, but the memories of this "beautiful prison" will always remain in our hearts.

Having parted from you, where should we go now, O place of learning!

Today, I left my life in your walls and doors

From ✍️ Muhammad Masood Rahmani Arariawi