“We will surely test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives, and fruits, but give glad tidings to the patient, those who, when afflicted by calamity, say, ‘Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we will return.’ They are the ones who will receive Allah’s blessings and mercy, and it is they who are rightly guided” – Koran, 2:155-7

The above ayat from the Koran tells us that even the most pious believers will be tested, over and over again, but momentous rewards are for the faithful.

Why the tests, some so unimaginably harsh, bring pain, death and what appears to destruction. Over and over, this question is asked. What sense does it make?

However, the answer is never definitive or even satisfying to us with our very limited understanding. When one believes in the Holy Scriptures it should build a level of understanding and strengthen our faith.

Martin Luther King, Jr said: “To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible. Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.”

Indeed this is faith.

I prefer to err on the safe side; believing and having faith, it satisfies me. It’s a personal choice which is good enough for me. I am pleased with Allah as my God, Islam as my religion, and Muhammad (pbuh) as my prophet.

“Hope is praying for rain, but faith is bringing an umbrella.”

In the Holy Koran: 67:29, Allah says: “He is the Most Gracious; we believe in Him, and we trust in Him. …” This is faith.

If you would like to learn some interesting facts about Islam and Muslims, together with a Q&A session, where you will have the opportunity to converse, ponder and question without critique or judgment, you are invited to come to Masjid Quba at 12 Lighthouse Road, Southampton SN2, this evening from 6pm to 8pm. Bring your family and friends.

Bermuda, keep praying for peace at home and abroad. Where there is war pray for permanent ceasefire now.

Have a blessed week. 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