“Where is our destination today?” Kendrick asked.
Ahmed took a map from behind the sack on the back seat, studied it in a moment, and said, “We are going to Mount Muria in Kudus.”
Kendrick stretched his hand to ask for the map and observed the surrounding. “Are we still in the East Java?” He looked curious.
“Yes, we are,” Ahmed touched Hamdan’s shoulder. “How long is it to Mount Muria?”
“It’s around four hours, sir.”
“Good, then, I’ll do my maghrib sholat there.” Ahmed nodded calmly.
After taking on fuel, their car moved fast for the next destination.

“Moving along, I believe that you have five practices in Islam?” Kendrick started the conversation.
“Oh, yes, the profession of faith, ritual prayer, charity, ritual fasting, and hajj.”
“The pilgrimage to Mecca,” Kendrick confirmed. “Was the one you did early in the morning a ritual prayer?”
“Yes. I felt close to God whenever I pray.” His eyes were sparkling with worship and faith as he spoke.
“Yes, I understand. You have settled your itch,” Kendrick mumbled softly.
“Sorry? What did you say?”
“I wanted to feel the same just that way, being elated by my faith and felt fulfilled with God’s presence.”
“You are still searching, aren’t you?” Ahmed looked closely at his face.
“It’s very weird. Yesterday I felt the power seemed to engulf me. But, today I felt empty again, as if it didn’t want to stay in me.”
Ahmed smiled solemnly. “Take your time to find what you are searching for, my friend. As for me, I’ve found my way in Islam.”
Kendrick nodded thoughtfully.

They visited the grave of Raden Umar Said, the real name of Sunan Muria, up in the mountain.
After doing the ritual, they went back to the car and drove along the road for about half an hour to the grave of Sunan Kudus.
Sunan Kudus was a title given to Jafar Shodiq, a respectful guru who proselytized the teaching of Islam throughout the area by assimilating tradition with religious values.
“I notice that the architecture of the grave and mosque is similar to the Hindu temples in Bali.”
“Yes, the Sunan didn’t want to compel the new teachings into the society.”
Kendrick moved his head to signal acknowledgment. A religion penetrated without pressure, he commented inwardly.
After being silent for several minutes, Ahmed said, “Now, we move to Demak, the City of Wali. We are close to the end of our journey, my friend.”
“Wali? Are you referring to the Sunans?”
“Yes. Wali Sanga, the Sunans. Demak used to be the center for Islam teachings throughout Java. Sunan Kalijaga whose grave we’re going to visit played a very important role in its establishment.”
“I see,” Kendrick nodded.
“By the way, we’ll pass by the Demak Mosque. I want to have my evening prayer there. Afterward, let’s grab some food. What do you think?”
Kendrick smiled. “Fine with me.”
“We’ll spend our night there because it’s going to be a long trip before our destination to Cirebon.”

Kendrick stared, admiring in awe at the huge mosque beautifully-decorated with ancient relic interior and carved-ornament exterior. He waited for Ahmed to complete his prayer. The Demak Mosque was built in 1477 and was the first one established in Java Island.
Kendrick sat down on a rock. With the light of the outdoor lamp, he started writing his diary, and then he mulled over.
My pilgrimage is about to be over tomorrow. God, I have seen before my eyes that many wonders had happened in this world. I’m yearning for Your guide. Enlighten me.
Kendrick shut his eyes, took a deep breath and let it out slowly, feeling the strong atmosphere of people worshiping God.
“Kendrick, my friend, I’m finished. Let’s eat. I’m starving.” The soft voice of Ahmed brought Kendrick to his conscience.
Kendrick opened his eyes widely and their eyes met, exchanging a true friendship. “Yes, me too. Come on.”

“Hamdan, do you know the good place to eat here?”
“Oh, yes, sir. They have a local food called gudeg. Let me take you there.”
He drove them to a small bamboo stall. Stepping out of the car, they set themselves in the rustic chairs.
“Why don’t you order for all of us?” Ahmed turned his head to Hamdan.
“Do you want chicken, eggs, or—”
“Just order the specialty, Hamdan. Let’s all of us have good meals.”

Kendrick observed the food in front of him; white rice, two pieces of breast chicken, two slices of half egg, steamed tofu, and dark brown vegetable making full his plate.
He had a spoon of it, trying to guess the taste.
“It’s some young jack fruit mixed with coconut, sir.” Hamdan supplied having observed Kendrick knitted his brows.
“Oh, yes, off course. Very tasty and crunchy.”
Ahmed nodded eating his meal. He chewed his rice tastily.

Author: Damien Dematra
a novelist, writer, painter, and photographer.
www.damiendematra.com

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