Bermuda recognised International Women’s Day in a most commendable way, indeed recognising daughters of the soil whom have made tremendous impact and contributions to our island home. We salute these women and say, “Well done.”

Ramadan is just around the corner; estimated to start on the eve of March 10 or 11, depending on the sighting of the new moon.

The holy month of Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar. It is a month of fasting, worship, service, communal gathering, and spiritual development. Fasting in Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Ramadan is a month that overflows with blessings (Barakah) from Allah, Al-Kareem, the most generous, the most esteemed.

Ramadan is also an ideal and powerful time to reset our mindset, helping us to get on the right track for implementing positivity of all types into our lives.

As well, Ramadan is the perfect time to take advantage of the special opportunities and blessings that occur during this holy month.  Duas (supplications) are much more powerful during Ramadan, making it the ideal time to ask for guidance and success.

It's a perfect time to reflect on one’s personal, business, and spiritual goals.The opportunities for success during Ramadan are boundless.

The fast of Ramadan is the only thing that Allah commands us to do for His sake.

The fast of Ramadan comprises of 29 to 30 days and those days are sectioned into three parts; mercy, forgiveness and safety from the hellfire.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him) said: “It (Ramadan) is the month, whose beginning is mercy, its middle, forgiveness, and its end, emancipation from the fire (of hell).“ (Bukhari)

May we benefit from the many attributes of Ramadan, such as seeking forgiveness, implementing more sunnah into our lives, increasing our worship and gaining closeness to Allah so that we can reap the rewards of His mercy during this blessed month.

Bermuda, let us take full advantage of the month of Ramadan and all that it encompasses.

Let us remember and pray for all the ills of the world to be remedied, remembering that we must have the faith of a mustard seed.

Let us pray for world peace, justice and equality.

Let us pray for immediate and permanent ceasefire.

Let us pray for peace to all mankind.

Ramadan Mubarak (Happy Ramadan) and 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