Eid Mubarak! “These are the days of Eid, make Tabir, wherever you are, these are the days of Eid, Allahu akbar!” So goes the words of this beautiful nasheed (a cappella song that praises God).

We were sad to see Ramadan leave us, but celebrated its beauty with an oh, so appropriate Eid al-Fitr celebrations. Our beloved Sister Ameenah Ahad expressed it this way: “Alhamdulillah for gorgeous weather and a joyous Eid. May Allah grant special blessings to all who were involved in the planning and execution!”

Indeed, we echo those words of thanks and appreciation to Allah as well as to all those who made Eid 1445 (2024) a success. Allah says we cannot thank Him and not the people, so again Jazakalah khair!

The Holy month of Ramadan may have left but we must not let the virtues of Ramadan leave us. Let’s continue to uphold all of the tenets of Ramadan in our deeds, devotion and prayers. Let’s practise the virtues of Ramadan, holding onto to them tightly until next Ramadan.

Allah is the most Merciful, Generous and Compassionate that in this month of Shawwal He has given us even more opportunity to receive His bountiful blessings.

Shawwal is the tenth month of the Islamic calendar. Shawwal is considered the month of reward. According to Sunan Ibn Majah, our dear Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: “Whoever fasts six days after Eid Al Fitr will have completed the year and whoever does a good deed will have the reward of ten days.” How merciful is that, to receive such an enormous bonus from the Lord of Creation.

To receive these bounties, one doesn’t even have to fast six consecutive days but any six days, except the day of Eid, as fasting is prohibited at Eid, but fasting any six days of Shawwal is accepted by Allah, the most Generous, the Most Compassionate, still duly rewards us, Subhanallah (Glory be to Allah).

Fasting has immense spiritual significance as well as physical benefits that have been backed by modern science. Isn’t it wonderful of Allah to reward us the full benefits of fasting for our spiritual souls as well as our physical wellbeing.

Indeed Allah is a God deserving of sincere worship, gratitude and obedience. “Believers, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you so that you become mindful of Allah. Fast for a fixed number of days, but if any of you is ill or travelling then let them fast an equivalent number of days later. Those who are unable to fast must pay compensation – if they can afford it – to feed a needy person. The one who gives more voluntarily is rewarded, but to fast would be better for you if you knew.” (Koran 183-187)

Bermuda, the struggle is not over. Let us continue to pray for ease, for peace in our beloved island home as well as the world; we want, need and look forward to world peace.

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