We alone cannot change the world, but it has long been recognised that together we can at least try. This was the insight when approximately 35 years ago, the organisation Parents was formed.

Parents was an acronym for “Parent Awareness Resources for Educating, Nurturing and Training Skills”, a registered charity in Bermuda, which eventually became Parents Anonymous of Bermuda, an affiliate of the American organisation, Parents Anonymous Inc.

From 1990 until 2005, Eileen Brown (aka Hajji Ayesha Mokhtari) led a team of women including nurse Victoria Manning, Nadine Lapsley-Dyer; then two department of education’s psychometrists, Barbara Holder and Patricia Field; peripatetic educator, Esther Bean; and nurse, Patricia Darrell. Team members who joined later, well after inception, were Shirley Coxall, Pamela Field, Cindy Moore and Stacey Williams.

Eventually, with enough corporate, charitable funding the following people were employed over more than a decade: Cherise Carey, then Saadia Bean, and finally Lois Weeks, the mother of Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, who, along with others joined in latter years in promoting April as Child Abuse Prevention Month and Blue Ribbon Campaign.

Lisa Pion-Berlin, president and chief executive officer of Parents Anonymous Inc, referenced Child Abuse Prevention legislation in the US that was initially introduced as Capta in 1974. Although that legislation has been amended several times its purpose remains has remained consistent.

Scars Bermuda (Saving Children and Revealing Secrets), along with the Bermuda Government, has taken up the mantle to continue what was introduced by Parents all those years ago.

Ms Brown (aka Hajja Ayesha Mokhtari) and her diverse team of dedicated women are elated to witness the evolution of Child Abuse Prevention Month and Blue Ribbon Campaign. And they are pleased to see the fruition of Parents Anonymous of Bermuda’s humble initiative growing into a national effort in Bermuda.

Every April, communities across the United States and Bermuda observe Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month, marked by the Blue Ribbon Campaign – a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to protect the most vulnerable among us: our children.

While the campaign began as a grass-roots movement in 1989, inspired by a grandmother’s sorrow over the tragic loss of her grandson to abuse, the message it carries echoes timeless principles that are deeply embedded in many spiritual traditions, including Islam.

In Islam, children are regarded not only as blessings but as trusts (amanah) from God. The Koran describes children as “adornments of the worldly life” (Surah Al-Kahf 18:46), emphasising their value, beauty, and innocence. Far from being possessions or burdens, they are souls entrusted to parents, families, and societies, to be nurtured with love, care, and justice.

The Koran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) make clear that any form of harm or abuse – whether physical, emotional, or psychological – is forbidden. The Koran’s condemnation of the pre-Islamic practice of killing children due to poverty serves as a foundational message:

“Do not kill your children for fear of poverty. We provide for them and for you. Surely, killing them is a heinous sin.” (Surah Al-Isra 17:31)

Though today’s abuse may not always take the form of outright killing, its modern equivalents – neglect, violence, humiliation, exploitation – are similarly condemned. Any action that strips a child of their safety, dignity, or innocence is a violation not only of civil law, but also of divine will.

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was a model of compassion towards children. He kissed them, embraced them, and encouraged others to show mercy. In one narration, when a man remarked that he never kissed his children, the Prophet said: “He who does not show mercy to others will not be shown mercy.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

Such teachings reveal the Islamic moral imperative to nurture children with gentleness and love, to protect them from harm, and to advocate for their rights. The Koran repeatedly warns against injustice, especially when it involves those who are vulnerable and voiceless. In Surah An-Nisa (4:10), God warns those who exploit orphans: “Indeed, those who devour the property of orphans unjustly are only consuming into their bellies fire.”

While this verse refers specifically to financial abuse, it highlights a wider principle – abuse of any kind toward vulnerable children is a grievous sin.

Beyond the home, society as a whole shares in the duty of child protection. Communities must foster environments where children are not only safe from harm, but also given space to grow, express themselves, and heal. This includes supporting struggling parents, reporting suspected abuse, and investing in education and awareness.

The Blue Ribbon Campaign, born from pain but grown into a symbol of hope, calls on each of us to take a stand. Whether by wearing a blue ribbon, supporting a local child advocacy organisation, or simply checking in on a family, our actions can prevent suffering and affirm the value of every child’s life.

Islam and the Blue Ribbon Campaign meet in one profound truth: children are sacred. Their wellbeing is not optional; it is a sacred duty. As the Koran instructs believers to “protect yourselves and your families from a Fire” (Surah At-Tahrim 66:6), this includes protecting them from emotional wounds, broken spirits, and stolen childhoods.

Bermuda please wear your blue ribbon to show your solidarity and support for all children, our most treasured assets.

Also, continue to pray and protest of the innocent children around the world, being killed, maimed, and victims of genocide, killing the world's hope.

Let this April be more than a campaign – let it be a renewal of our commitment. To speak up, to stand up, and to hold the hands of our children with the love, justice, and mercy they deserve.

Bermuda have a blessed weekend and as usual, we the Muslims of Bermuda say to all of you: “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