Tiga Kali Seminggu by Dr. Faisal Tehrani

Tiga Kali Seminggu (directly translated as Three Times A Week) or hereafter referred to as TKS, is a compilation of short stories written by Dr. Faisal Tehrani, one of the most read novelist in Malaysia. In it, 15 short stories written during his two decades of writing. In his preface, Dr. Faisal explains about the motivation behind each story that he wrote and tells about its themes and objectives. His introduction to his works helps me to understand the reason and the background of each story. Even though the stories are short, it is a journey of understanding and swallowing the ideas from the start to finish. Some have romantic essence, but it is never shallow. The romantic and love theme is laden with substance. Good substance. The others are, in general, about life philosophies, religion and social matters presented in a mature, highly imaginative, provocative and abundant in knowledge derived from the author's experience and beliefs.

I have a few favourites of all the 15 short stories. One of them is Hajah Abidah. It is a story of the experience of a seasoned female celebrity performing haj in Mecca and in the process, discovers her call in life and her real soul mate in front of the Kaabah. Then, Cinta Medeni, a love tale within the background of sufism and time research in Islam. Manifesto Mergastua, the letter from all fauna to caliphs of the Earth, us humans. Muthupalaniappan, a heart-wrenching story of the relationship between a young ambitious teacher and a poor pupil. Finally, Setelah Diciptakan Adam..., of feminism and the nature of women beside Allah swt.

Apart from that, 10 more short stories of similar themes including the title story, Tiga Kali Seminggu which is rather funny. TKS is an enjoyable read which is light in terms of time consumption but mildly heavy in substance. And I would like to spend some time some day for another Faisal Tehrani treat.

Adieu.

google image