Congratulations to both Somerset and St George’s teams for a superb display of talent in the “gentlemen’s game” of cricket.

I trust a grand time was held by all over the Cup Match, Emancipation Day and Mary Prince Day holidays. Whew … it certainly was an impactful time.

Wouldn’t it be amazing for unity in the community if we could continue this spirit of camaraderie always?

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said, “Anyone who believes in Allah and the Last Day should not harm his neighbour, and anyone who believes in Allah and the Last Day should entertain his guest generously and anyone who believes in Allah and the Last Day should talk what is good or keep quiet.” (From Bukhari and Muslim)

Over a holiday period it is always more likely that we run into friends and family, especially those that we haven’t seen for a while. We feel so good when surrounded by good people that have been in our lives and have helped to build our character and personality.

Loving and supportive family and friends are prime in promoting good health and happiness which is the basis of a successful community. The term “no man is an island” is so true. We need one another to build a balanced and healthy society.

Abu Musa reported: “The Messenger (pbuh) said, ‘Verily, the believers are like bricks of a building, each part strengthening the other’, and the Prophet (pbuh) clasped his fingers together.”

If our community is not strong, our country will be weak. It’s all a domino effect. Martin Luther King, Jr said it so accurately, “We must learn to live together as brothers or we will all perish together as fools.”

As Muslims we are advised to keep good terms among each other, any differences we may have are to be resolved in an amicable and just way. We are also instructed not to carry a grudge for more than three days.

In a Hadith reported by Anas Ibn Malik, the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said, “Do not hate each other, do not envy each other, do not turn away from each other, but rather be servants of Allah as brothers and sisters. It is not lawful for a Muslim to boycott his brother or sister for more than three days.” Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 6065.

Bermuda, let’s keep that Cup Match vibe alive! Let’s be loving, kind, caring, nurturing and fair with each other for a better Bermuda and ultimately for the pleasure of Allah. After all, everything we do should be pleasing to Allah to gain success in this world and success in the hereafter.

As salaamu 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