Bermudians have been proud of our reputation of peace and low crime rate. Sadly, recent events – for example, most painfully, this week the killing of two young people has shaken that pride to its core. How have we reached a place where life is treated with such disregard?

What has happened to us? Why is our island gripped by such turmoil? We have strayed from one of the most sacred truths – that life is holy. Life is the greatest trust Allah has given us. To honour it, protect it, and defend it is not negotiable – it is a divine command we will be held accountable for.

The Koran reminds us: “Whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land – it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one – it is as if he had saved mankind entirely” (5:32).

All the Abrahamic faiths condemn the taking of life – one of the Ten Commandments states: “Thou shalt not kill.”

Every life matters.

Our island has always been more than just land surrounded by water. It has been a home, a sanctuary, a gem admired for its beauty, its warmth, and the care its people have shown one another.

We grew up respecting our neighbours, taking pride in our shared spaces, and fostering a community where love and consideration were not optional, but the norm. Yet, today, it feels as if that spirit is slipping through our fingers. It seems our community is losing its soul.

Our island absolutely cannot afford to lose its soul; yet it seems as though we are spiralling in that direction. The way of life as we have always known it, a way of life that is the tapestry of our culture and legacy is under threat of becoming soulless.

Violence is reshaping our island as surely as hurricanes reshape our shores. The moral fabric that once bound us is eroding and quickly; the statistics confirm this.

Every act of violence diminishes us all.

To our youth: your choices echo far beyond yourselves. What emptiness allows cruelty to replace care? Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said, “The strong person is not the one who can overpower others, but the one who controls himself when angry” (Sahih al-Bukhari 6114).

True strength lies in mercy, patience, and empathy. You hold the future of this island in your hands – do not let it be defined by violence.

To teachers, clergy, stakeholders and parents: your influence shapes the hearts of tomorrow. “He who does not show mercy to our young and respect to our elders is not one of us.” (Sunan Abu Dawud 2763).

Your guidance is not optional. Speak to our youth, mentor them, and be present. Actions speak louder than words, and your example can prevent another tragedy.

To community leaders and politicians: laws alone cannot restore our moral compass. We must take immediate action to protect our communities – invest in mentorship programmes, safe spaces, and guidance for those most at risk.

The Koran commands: “Indeed, Allah commands you to uphold justice, and to do good to others, and to give to relatives; and forbids immorality, bad conduct, and oppression. He admonishes you so that perhaps you will be mindful.” (16:90)

Crime is escalating, yes – but it is a symptom, not the cause. The root is a society losing sight of compassion, empathy, and respect for life. We must act together – speaking, teaching, mentoring, and protecting one another – because no one can do it alone.

Our island was a gem. It can be again. But only if we rise collectively, choosing courage over indifference, mercy over cruelty, and care over neglect.

To every young person and to the elders, let them know this: “Young people, you have the power to change your path and protect the future of your home.”

To every adult, leader, and mentor: step forward now. Speak, guide, and act. Do not wait for another tragedy to awaken your conscience.

The time to restore our island’s soul is now. As individuals, we may feel powerless, but the Koran repeatedly urges us to act: “And co-operate in righteousness and piety; do not co-operate in sin and aggression.” (5:2)

It is a call for collective responsibility – a reminder that change is possible if we act with conscience and care.

We should grieve not only for the victims and their families, but for the community that must continue in the shadow of this tragedy.

Yet grief can be transformed into resolve. This grief must become our fuel, our reason to stand, speak, and protect what we hold dear. Let mercy, respect, and the sanctity of life guide our policies, our schools, and our homes.

Our grief must not end in silence – it must rise as a force for change.

Let the words of our own Bermudian songwriter John Woolridge resonate with us:

These are not our best days so many things have gone wrong. It seems we’ve lost our way, but for us this is not how the story ends. We’ve braved rough seas before and we’ll do it again … Proud to be Bermudian.

Bermuda, even though we have our own challenges, let us remember to pray for those less fortunate than us and continue to raise our voices against the wars and genocide unfolding before our very eyes. Let us stand together in prayer and unity, calling for an immediate and lasting ceasefire.

In these trying times, we must 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