As Bermuda prepares to celebrate one of its most anticipated holidays – Cup Match, which spans Emancipation Day and Mary Prince Day – the air buzzes with excitement, pride, and the promise of fun.

Whether you’re draped in Somerset red or St George’s blue, the weekend is about more than cricket. It is a time when families gather, beaches come alive, and the island pays homage to its hard-won freedom.

But what does it really mean to have fun? In a world increasingly saturated with entertainment, digital distractions, and consumer temptations, it's worth pausing to ask: what role does joy play in our lives? Can fun coexist with responsibility, faith, and purpose? And how do different world views – particularly Islamic teachings and secular values – help us navigate the balance?

The significance of Emancipation Day is foundational. It marks the legal end of slavery in Bermuda in 1834. For Black Bermudians especially, this is not just a day off – it is a day to remember resilience, honour ancestors, and affirm the value of freedom, not just politically, but spiritually, culturally, and personally.

In Islam, freedom is a divine right. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasised the dignity of every human being, regardless of race, lineage, or status. Bilal ibn Rabah, a formerly enslaved African, became one of the Prophet’s closest companions and the first muezzin (caller to prayer), representing how Islam elevated the oppressed. Faith, then, calls not only for the remembrance of personal freedom, but the active defence of others’ rights and dignity.

Secular values echo this truth: fun and festivity are most meaningful when all people can access joy without oppression. That’s why Cup Match is more than sport – it’s a celebration of collective triumph and the beauty of cultural expression.

The Koran says: “Say, who has forbidden the adornment of Allah which He has produced for His servants and the good things of provision?” (Koran 7:32)

This verse underscores that enjoyment is not forbidden in Islam. In fact, pleasure – when wholesome and moderate – is seen as a blessing. Laughing, playing, enjoying good food, music, and sports are all part of being human.

The Prophet himself raced with his wife Aisha, joked with children, and encouraged recreation that uplifted the soul. However, Islamic teachings consistently remind believers to keep joy rooted in gratitude and moderation. Excess, arrogance, or entertainment that harms others or one’s soul veers into the territory of wastefulness.

In the secular world view, joy and leisure are often seen as essential to wellbeing. Vacations, festivals, even sports events are seen as vital expressions of creativity, freedom, and self-care. From both perspectives – faith-based and secular – fun is not frivolous when it’s tied to values: connection, meaning, and humanity.

Cup Match is a beautiful blend of culture, community, history, and happiness. From the traditional codfish breakfast to the sea of family reunions and cookouts, it’s an embodiment of what “fun with roots” looks like. Even the cricket rivalry, fierce as it may be, becomes a metaphor for healthy competition and unity across the island.

The Cup Match flag, created by Citizens Uprooting Racism in Bermuda (CURB), is a powerful symbol – blending the silhouette of a cricketer with that of Mary Prince and a broken chain. It beautifully captures the spirit and purpose of Cup Match: a celebration of freedom, resilience, and cultural pride.

This holiday offers a moment for reflection too: Are we ensuring that our fun is inclusive? Are our celebrations just loud or also meaningful? Can we use this freedom to inspire younger generations to cherish both their heritage and their future?

In both Islam and many secular traditions, there’s a shared understanding: the deepest joy comes not from consumption, but from contribution and connection. Time spent with loved ones, community service, artistic expression, and spiritual reflection offer the most enduring satisfaction.

So, as Bermuda dons its colours this Cup Match, let us embrace the joy. Let the music play, the children laugh, the flags fly. But let us also take a moment to be grateful – for freedom, for fun, and for faith that inspires and sustains us.

Because true freedom is not just about breaking chains – it’s about choosing joy with purpose.

As the Koran reminds us: “Say, ‘In the bounty of Allah and in His mercy – in that let them rejoice; it is better than whatever they accumulate.’” (Surah Yunus, 10:58)

And as Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “The strong believer is more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, though there is good in both. Cherish what benefits you, seek help from Allah, and do not give up.” (Sahih Muslim)

The purpose of getting together for healthy, clean socialising brings about healing, happiness, and a sense of healthy community togetherness. It gives us a deep feeling of gratitude for our shared celebrations – where history, culture, and compassion come together in unity and joy.

Bermuda have a safe and happy Cup Match and remember both Somerset and St George’s are winners! (Yeah, I said it … unity in the community!)

As we celebrate, remember to pray for those less fortunate than us. 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