Alhamdulillah! Once again, we have been blessed with the breath of life to see another day. The first words we should utter on awakening is “Alhamdulillah” (praise be to God). This shows our complete and sincere gratitude to our creator, who is master over life and death and indeed all of our affairs. Gratitude is essential for the countless blessings bestowed upon us by our Allah (swt).

My beloved and special “son”, Ishmael, sent this heartfelt message to all his family members – a sincere plea and a timely reminder to constantly keep ourselves in check, striving to do what’s right and aiming for purification of our hearts. I have paraphrased his beautiful words, and thought to share them with you, praying they inspire you as they have inspired me.

Allah says in the noble Koran: “And if you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favour]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.” (14:7)

Let us strive to be among those who constantly remember and thank Allah in all circumstances, seeking His mercy and pleasure. Gratitude is not just an option – it is an absolute must.

“So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.“ (Koran, 2:152)

The more we sincerely walk in the light – purifying our hearts from hatred and malice towards family and others – the better we become as individuals. A clean heart allows the light of Allah to shine through our actions and deeds. Allah reminds us in the following verses:

“A day when neither wealth nor children will benefit [anyone], except one who comes to Allah with a sound heart.” (Koran, 26:88-89)

As Muslims, we believe this divine light was placed within us from the very beginning of the creation of mankind – we call it fitrah, which is the innate human nature to do good.

Fitrah is also the innate human nature that unequivocally recognises the oneness of God – a God without partners. In Islam, worshipping Allah alone (tawhid) is the foundation of faith. The opposite of tawhid is shirk (associating partners with Allah), which is considered the gravest sin because it contradicts the very purpose of creation. “Allah is the Creator of all things, and He is, over all things, Disposer of affairs.” (Koran, Az-Zumar, 39:62)

Fitrah may also refer to the state of purity and innocence in which Muslims believe all humans are born with. The Koran states that humans were created in the most perfect form: the Koran mentions the concept of fitrah in Surah Ar-Rum (30:30), which states, “So direct your face towards the religion, inclining to truth. [Adhere to] the fitrah of Allah upon which He has created [all] people.” I believe that it is our ability to make choices, whether they be good or bad choices that either increases or decreases the purity of our hearts and souls.

We are born with a pure heart. However, as we journey through this worldly life, distractions and confusion can dim that light. This is why we must continuously purify our hearts, so the light Allah placed within us shines through our every action and intention.

“And do not be like those who forgot Allah, so He made them forget themselves. Those are the defiantly disobedient.” (Koran, 59:19)

As Ramadan approaches and we find ourselves in the blessed month of Sha’ban, let us take this time to purify our hearts. A purified heart leads to good deeds and righteous actions, preparing us to welcome Ramadan with sincerity and devotion.

The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Sha’ban is a month between Rajab and Ramadan that many people neglect. It is a month in which deeds are presented to the Lord of the Worlds, so I love that my deeds be presented while I am fasting.” (Reported by An-Nasa'i)

May we always strive for righteousness and embody the love and guidance of our creator.

Bermuda, may we shine and spread love, unity and compassion always with the intentions of a pure heart filled with gratitude.

May we all experience the upcoming week filled with countless blessings.

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