Under the scholar's guidance, Fariq continued progressing in his studies. By memorizing a portion each day and reflecting deeply on its meanings, he was able to retain more of the Quran's lessons.

One morning, the scholar surprised Fariq by suggesting they travel to a nearby village to share their knowledge with others. "The gift of literacy and our holy texts must be spread as widely as possible," he said.

In the village, Fariq assisted his teacher by reciting passages clearly for students young and old. Seeing their eager faces stirred his faith. On the way back, the scholar praised Fariq's skill and poise in teaching.

Days later, a letter arrived from Fariq's first sheikh, saying his travels were complete and he looked forward to resuming lessons. But the scholar leaned close with a proposition: "You have outgrown resources here. Consider furthering your studies in the city, where even greater minds can nourish your talents."

Fariq knew this was a rare honor. He struggled with the choice until praying for guidance at dusk. A shooting star seemed to signal acceptance of the scholar's gift. New horizons awaited Fariq in spreading the light of faith through the Quran's eternal words. His journey had only just begun.

Fariq awoke before dawn as usual, determined not to let his teacher's absence halt his progress. He reviewed what he had memorized from the previous day's lessons. But reciting alone in the empty room felt hollow without the sheikh's guidance.

As sunlight filtered through the windows, Fariq had an idea. He went to the mosque to see if the scholar who had praised his recitation was there for morning prayers. Sure enough, the distinguished gentleman was present.

After salat, Fariq humbly asked if the scholar had time to hear him recite. Seeing Fariq's dedication, he agreed. As Fariq recited surat Yasin flawlessly, the scholar was impressed. "You have a gift, young Fariq. I would be honored to continue your lessons until your teacher returns."

Under the scholar's tutelage, Fariq delved deeper into understanding the meanings behind the sacred text. His passion grew. Each day he built upon what he had memorized, visualizing the verses like frames in a spiritual story playing in his mind.

Though he missed his first teacher, Fariq felt blessed by this opportunity. He resolved to absorb all he could from his new guide, keeping the flame of faith and memorization burning bright until their reunions in the mosque each dawn. Fariq's journey to preserve God's word had entered a new chapter...

In the weeks that followed, Fariq applied himself diligently to his studies under the sheikh's guidance. Each morning he would arrive before others to review what he had memorized so far. By watching the moon rise over minaret each night, he marked his steady progress.

One morning, Fariq arrived to find the sheikh deep in discussion with another learned man. They spoke in hushed tones about matters beyond Fariq's understanding. When it was time for their lesson, the sheikh seemed distracted. He prompted Fariq to recite what he had memorized with less engagement than usual.

Sensing his teacher's unease, Fariq tried harder to focus on the verses. He visualized each word floating by as if on a calming stream. When he finished his recitation, the visiting scholar was watching intently.

"You have a gifted student, Abdullah," the man said to the sheikh. Fariq's chest swelled at the praise from this respected figure. But the sheikh only nodded somberly.

That evening, the sheikh took Fariq aside. "Troubling news has reached me - I must travel to settle a dispute in a distant village. You have progressed well, but there is more to learn." Fariq's heart sank at the thought of disrupted lessons.

"Have faith, my boy. Opportunity may come," the sheikh said, laying a gentle hand on Fariq's shoulder. Fariq vowed to keep studying, and make his teacher proud, wherever the future may lead. The flame of his dedication had only begun to burn.

The mosque was quiet as Fariq arrived just before dawn. Only a few devout worshippers had gathered for the daily prayers. He breathed in the scents of frankincense and worn books as he entered the prayer hall. A sliver of sun rose above the minaret as the call to prayer echoed.

After salat al-fajr, Fariq's sheikh beckoned him to the study room. They sat opposite one another, the worn wooden table between them. "Today we start surat al-Fatihah," the sheikh said gently. He guided Fariq to recite each verse slowly, emphasizing the consonants to imprint their shape and flow.

As the light increased, the sheikh instructed Fariq to close his eyes. "Visualize the words floating before you. Trace their patterns as you say them silently in your mind." Fariq focused intently, immersed in the verses as if seeing them for the first time. When done, the sheikh quizzed him; Fariq recited confidently from memory.

Next, they broke al-Fatihah into short phrases, practicing each part until smooth. The sheikh wove a story around the lines, giving meaning and association to aid retention. Time slipped away as Fariq lost himself in the lesson, the light shifting across aged volumes lining the walls.

By late morning, beads of sweat dotted Fariq's brow from concentration. But the verses now flowed freely from his lips. A spark had begunKindling a lifelong passion for the words of his Lord. Each day the flame would grow brighter.