I find myself more than ever in deep reflection. Before my very eyes, I am witnessing events that cause me to constantly ponder the events of life. I like the word “ponder”. It brings the action of deep thinking to mind. There is a poem entitled The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe that starts off like this: “Once upon a midnight dreary, while I  pondered, weak and weary …”

I can so relate as my pondering often leaves me weak and weary, but for the sake of my religion, I am able to understand and to be strengthened by the words of God (Alhamdulilah).

Allah says in His noble Koran: “By the passing of time, surely humanity is in grave loss, except those who have faith, do good deeds and urge each other to the truth, and urge each other to perseverance.” (Koran, 103:1-3)

The solution to peace is simple as evidenced by the above verse. The main change that has occurred over time and has resulted, in my humble opinion, to the decay of society is the breakdown of the family. The structure of family has been obscured. Roles and values have swayed to the far left. Today, the lack of godliness and religion is rampant.

Islam has strong family values as all religions do, but it’s most of the followers who don’t fully adhere to the principles of their religion that causes conflicts.

The breakdown of the family unit has caused a breakdown of society. This breakdown has had a domino effect on society since the family is the very nucleus of a perfect running civilisation.

Some argue that religion has caused division but in reality, religion only means “a way of life”. So in essence, religion gives you a perfect blueprint. The second chapter of the Koran, Al Baqarah, the complete structure and blueprint of how to live is outlined.

The Bible gives guidance with the Ten Commandments. What’s the excuse for not following the guidelines? No wonder the world is in turmoil with our heedless attitude.

My dear son, Ismael, constantly reminds me of the importance of family. Even though we may want to cut ties with some of our more challenging family members, we are reminded not to; unless it’s something they have done that is of a vile nature and causes threat to life and the wellbeing of other family members.

Islam calls for the upholding of the ties of kinship because of the great effect that this has on achieving social cohesion and perpetuating co-operation and love among each other and broader society.

Indeed, with a certainty the family is the nucleus of society. Being a part of a family should assure us of unconditional love and support. Being a member of society based on family values should assure us the same love, support and safety.

Sadly, families are adrift, hence the global unity of society is broken and fragmented, there’s no love or compassion for others let alone those who are different from us. I believe this is the reason why we can hurt, maim and murder without a second thought! We must get the family repaired to save our own existence. We have to turn to the God of Creation, the one and only God to get ourselves and humanity repaired.

Family is one of the most important things. We may have our differences, but nothing is more important than family! The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other’s life. “Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.” Bonding with family is the thread that ties everyone of our hearts together. The above is called “Soul food” by my son, Ishmael.

The family is the primary social unit, as families form the first community and government, and are older than religion and state.

That being said, we must heed the cry to fix our families in order to fix our society and rid our communities of the atrocities that currently exist that are seeking to destroy peace, harmony and love.

Allah in His noble Koran (2:83) says: “And recall when We made a covenant with the Children of Israel: you shall serve none but Allah and do good to parents, kinsmen, orphans and the needy; you shall speak kindly to people, and establish Prayer and give Zakah (Purifying Alms).”

Bermuda, stay focused, continue to demand peace and harmony at home and abroad. Have a blessed week and love your family and humanity with all your love and soul.

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