In my life I have had the opportunity of being in the company of all types of people with all types of personalities. For the most part, my journey has been pleasurable; I've met and rubbed shoulders with the loveliest of people, people who are just a delight. They bring joy just being in their company.

However, everything in life has an opposite and I have also come across some unbelievably wicked characters. Allah advises us in the Koran that “And of everything We created pairs, so that you may reflect.”

This verse affirms that everything in creation comes in pairs or opposites, showing balance in the natural world – such as hot/cold, day/night, joy/sorrow, truth/falsehood.

Alas, we all know someone who is just a troublemaker, a disruptive element. You try to find the good in them but try as you might, you just can’t. This individual is ruthless and diabolical.

They are deliberately harmful or vicious, cunning, manipulative, and calculating, and show no remorse for cruelty or betrayal. The alarming key characteristic of these types of people is that they may often act with a false charm to deceive others; a real wolf in sheep's clothing. This individual often enjoys the suffering or downfall of others.

This type of character is deeply flawed, lacking the innate balance found in the law of opposites. There seems to be not even an ounce of good in them. What a lowly state to be in.

As the noble Koran in verse 2:52 mentions: “ … and He created everything and measured it exactly.” This verse speaks to Allah’s creation being measured, balanced, and purposeful – which includes opposing forces that create harmony or I'm adding, disharmony.

Everyone is accountable for their deeds. Injustice, arrogance, cruelty, and hypocrisy are heavily condemned in the natural order of things.

Allah is just – no soul will be wronged, and no wicked deed will go unaddressed. However, If someone repents sincerely, Allah may forgive even the gravest sins. We must fear Allah’s wrath and fear the day we will all be accountable for our actions. This is why having taqwa is our safety net; without it we become arrogant, cold, callous and a law unto ourselves. Indeed, a very dangerous road to travel.

Islam teaches that Allah’s mercy is vast, but also that His justice is absolute. The wicked will be punished – unless they turn back to Him.

Allah says this clearly: “And My mercy encompasses all things, but I will decree it for those who fear Me …” (Koran, 7:156)

The Christian says, “The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.” In Islam, that wisdom is expressed through taqwa – a deep consciousness of Allah that keeps the heart soft, the ego in check, and the soul aligned with divine guidance.

But taqwa is not fear in the sense of dread or terror. It is more like the fear a loving child has of disappointing their parents – not because of punishment, but because they love their parents so deeply and cannot bear to hurt them or lose their approval.

“Indeed, those who fear their Lord unseen will have forgiveness and a great reward.“ (Koran, 67:12)

Taqwa is born of love and reverence. It is not the fear of a tyrant, who will do great harm to you but rather it is the fear of displeasing or distancing yourself from the One whom you love most.

Taqwa is the heart’s longing to stay close to Allah, to avoid displeasing Him, and to live in a way that reflects gratitude and loyalty to Him.

Just as a child instinctively avoids actions that would hurt their beloved parents, a person with taqwa avoids actions that displease Allah – not just out of obligation, but out of deep love and gratitude.

“Only those truly fear Allah among His servants who have knowledge.” (Koran, 35:28)

When taqwa is absent, the soul becomes hardened. Pride grows. The person may come to see themselves as above accountability. This is when injustice and harm spread – both inwardly and outwardly.

“No! Indeed, man transgresses, when he sees himself as self-sufficient.” (Koran, 96:6–7)

Without taqwa, we risk becoming blind to truth and deaf to compassion. But with taqwa, the heart becomes illuminated, and wisdom takes root.

Taqwa is the soul’s GPS and the heart’s protection. Taqwa is what turns knowledge into guidance, wealth into generosity, and authority into responsibility. It brings balance between fear and hope, justice and mercy, duty and love.

“O you who believe! If you fear Allah, He will grant you a furqan … criterion.” (Koran, 8:29).

That furqan is the light of wisdom – the ability to distinguish truth from falsehood and right from wrong.

Taqwa is not a paralysing fear – it is a living, loving awareness of Allah. In fact, taqwa means “God consciousness”.

Taqwa is a spiritual safeguard, a quiet compass, a tender voice in the soul that says, “I cannot bear to displease the One I love.”

Taqwa indeed is a mercy, an invaluable favour from a compassionate Lord, who will reward us as the Koran says: “Whoever has taqwa of Allah, He will make for them a way out and provide for them from where they never expected.” (Koran, 65:2–3)

Ya Allah, may taqwa never leave us and may it for ever be our guiding force.

Bermuda, let us continue to raise our voices against the wars and genocide unfolding before our very eyes. Let us stand together in prayer, calling for an immediate and lasting ceasefire.

In these trying times, may we also turn our attention inward – to care for and support one another within our own small but precious island community. The power to address and overcome our challenges lies within us. Unity, compassion, and collective action will carry us forward.

Bermuda, may your week be blessed, purposeful, and peaceful.

As-salaamu ‘alaikum (peace be upon 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