To most people, family is the most important part of their existence. In all things positive, we do what we do because of our loving devotion and loyalty to family.

We sacrifice so much without a second thought when it comes to our family in regards to their needs and support. At least that’s how it should be.

However, as Muslims, we never place the status of the family above the status of God to the extent that we are more upholding to them than we are to Allah. Allah is paramount always. To this end, we do not cut off ties with family; we hold our ground and carry on with respect to them, but we do not compromise when it comes to moral ethics. We pray for our family’s guidance whilst staying firm to our faith.

Islam undeniably believes family is the nucleus of society. Western ideology echoes the same as according to renowned historian and philosopher, Will Durant, where he states: “The family is nucleus of civilisation.”

Family is said to be the first institution of learning. Family life teaches social norms and serves as the impetus or umbrella for the whole society.

There you go … it is now easy to understand why society and current negative behaviours are so rampant. Blame it on the breakdown and destruction of the family unit. We need to immediately get back on track.

This is an urgent plea to parents, teachers, family members, government leaders, to get the family together.

Will Durant also wrote: “Civilisation begins with order, grows with liberty and dies with chaos.” We can all attest to the fact that chaos abounds in our community today. Indeed, we need to and must get the family ethos in order.

The Koran is indeed a book giving is guidance on the best way to live; let us take heed before we perish from total chaos.

“This is the Book (the Koran), whereof there is no doubt, a guidance to those who are Al-Muttaqun, the pious and righteous persons who fear Allah much (abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which He has forbidden) and love Allah much (perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained).” (Koran: 2)

Bermuda let us continue to stand up for justice, shout for ceasefire and demand peace reign throughout the world.

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