National Heroes Day is celebrated to honour those men and women, who officially became national heroes in Bermuda.

Bermuda defines a “national hero” as a person who is admired and acknowledged for their courage, noble qualities and outstanding achievements. Their significant contribution to the growth and development of society are very important to Bermuda.

One of the most significant qualities of what makes Bermudians unique is our honesty, hospitality and willingness to help each other. Our national heroes have been people of integrity and loyalty who contributed significantly to the Bermuda community we have today.

Dame Lois Browne-Evans was inducted as Bermuda’s first national hero in 2009, and since that time seven others have joined her: Mary Prince, Edgar Fitzgerald Gordon, Gladys Misick Morrell, Sir John Swan, Sir Henry “Jack” Tucker, Sir Edward Trenton Richards and Pauulu Kamarakafego.

An interesting fact: Sir John is the only living national hero. Long live Sir John!

It will be interesting to see who will be bestowed the honour of national hero in ten years’ time.

The whole of the Bermuda community has the opportunity of directing a young person to become a national hero by instilling in them the qualities, characteristics and values of such an esteemed title. Indeed we have an excellent blueprint from our past national heroes of which to follow.

Islam places good character as paramount in a person. Good character, morals, ethics and manners are fundamental to the religion of Islam and the means by which one can achieve salvation in this life and the life to come. The believers with the best of character are the most beloved by Allah and His Messenger.

Good character is defined as having great moral qualities as mentioned in the Koran (68:4) “ … and you are certainly on the most exalted standard of moral excellence”.

Allah ingrained within the Prophet (pbuh) great character traits of modesty, generosity, courage, forgiveness, forbearance and every beautiful trait. Therefore it is easy to understand that the Muslim’s international and national hero is our beloved Nabi, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), as he was of impeccable character created and tailored specifically by Allah, the most wise.

We would do well to live by the high moral standards of our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

Bermuda, enjoy the holiday keeping in mind to follow in our everyday lives the beautiful characters of our national heroes, just as the Muslims are encouraged to follow the sunnah (behaviours) of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

As salaam alaikum.

• 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