Can you believe this is the last Saturday of 2023! How fast did this year go? It seems like only yesterday we were making new year’s resolutions, setting goals of all types, the top one being to lose weight, exercise, save money and to achieve this and to achieve that. Sadly none of the resolutions were achieved!

What kept me from achieving my goals? Well, after really thinking about it, it came down to a number of things, starting with a mammoth lack of discipline, together with perhaps also biting off more than I could chew, which is a grave mistake. Archbishop Desmond Mpilo Tutu, said that “there is only one way to eat an elephant and that is, one bite at a time.” Makes total sense, doesn’t it? To do otherwise, would only cause you to gag or choke!

Also not having a plan causes defeat. After all, someone said if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. This is true. We must strategically chart our course to success. The first strategy is not to overdo it or overwhelm ourselves — take one step at a time and keep on going. The objective is to be consistent in our efforts.

The Koran commands Muslims to be consistent. Steadfast also means to be consistent. Allah says in the Noble Koran Surah 41, ayat 30: “Surely those who say, ‘Our Lord is Allah’ and then remain steadfast, the angels descend upon them, saying ‘Do not fear nor grieve. Rather rejoice in the.good of Paradise, which you have been promised’.”

In an effort to better ourselves and our habits in the approaching year, let us prepare and commit to being consistent even in small doses, baby steps so to speak, even Usain Bolt started out with baby steps but he kept at it to achieve the record he holds today. Let us realise that consistency is the key.

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said in a Hadith: “The most beloved of deeds to Allah are the most consistent of them, even if it is small.” (Bukhari).

The following duaa or prayer asking God for his divine help recites:

“O Allah! I ask You to grant me steadfastness and consistency in all my affairs and I ask You for the resolve to adhere to the path of guidance...”

May we be the people whom enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong consistently. May we have consistent empathy and show humanity for all mankind. May we consistently raise our voices and speak out against injustices everywhere it exists. May we consistently call for permanent ceasefire wherever bombs are blasting.

May all peoples of the Earth consistently enjoy Justice and Peace.

Beloved people of Bermuda may consistent kindness, health and prosperity be yours in 2024 and beyond and may all your good resolutions be successful.

As salaam alaikum (Peace be unto you).

• Linda Walia Ming is a member of the Bermuda Hijab Dawah team, a group of Muslim women who reside in Bermuda and have a goal of educating the community about the religion of Islam