According to the lunar calendar, the Islamic world has just entered the month of Shaban, which is the eighth month of the Islamic calendar. It is called the month of “separation”, as the word means “to disperse“ or “to separate“ because the pagan Arabs used to disperse in search of water.

The month of Shaban holds great significance in the Islamic world. It is the month that precedes the Holy month of Ramadan. Ramadan is the month of abstention from worldly things where even the intake of food is limited, in fact Muslims fast for the entire month. Shaban holds many blessings as well as preparing us for the challenges of Ramadan.

Once when Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was asked about the virtues of the month of Shaban, he replied: “That Shaban is a month to which people do not pay attention, between Rajab and Ramadan, and it is a month in which deeds are lifted up to the Lord of the worlds. I like for my deeds to be lifted up when I am fasting.” (Reported by an-Nasai, see Sahih al-Targhib).

Muslims usually use the opportunity during Shaban to prepare for Ramadan as well as to receive the extra benefits and blessings of Allah during this time.

In keeping with Black History Month, I highlight the contributions of Mansa Musa, another prolific Black figure in Islamic history. It is believed that he was the richest man in the world and the richest man that ever lived. Mansa Musa (1280-1337) was King of the Mali empire. His wealth is quoted in many books as “indescribable“. Can you imagine that?

Mansa Musa, was the 14th-century West African ruler who was so rich his generous handouts were believed to have wrecked Egypt’s economy.

The king controlled a massive territory from 1312 to 1337. His territory of rule stretched across 2,000 miles, from the Atlantic Ocean to Lake Chad. Under his rule, his state prospered.

Mansa Musa was a devout Muslim and from 1324 to 1325, he undertook a pilgrimage to Mecca with an impressive entourage of 12,000 men and women. As you can imagine a voyage of this magnitude was never before seen.

He crossed the Sahara all the way to Arabia, a distance of some 2,500 miles. His intent was to bring together the very best of scholars from government bureaucrats, architects, educators, commercial pundits, poets, and artisans to his massive kingdom.

Effectively, he was to transform his kingdom to become a leading force in the world. He succeeded. Mansa Musa’s pilgrimage brought his Malian kingdom to the attention of Europe and thereafter, things changed (we can pick the bones out of that).

I implore you to read the full history of Mansa Musa, I guarantee you will be intrigued but most of all, you’ll be very proud of the accomplishments made, which is what Black History Month is meant to do!

Bermuda, the struggle continues. Prayers and resounding voices are still needed to cry out about the atrocities against humanity taking place throughout our world, from East, West, North and South affecting innocent men, women and children. Let the injustices cease now, together with the immediate ceasing of fire. Stop now!

Despite the turbulence of our world, let’s keep hope alive.

Bermuda, 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