Violence is rising across our island like a tidal wave — appeals for peace seem to be falling on deaf ears and hardened hearts. The Koran and Hadith often describe a “dark” or hardened heart as one that has become spiritually closed — insensitive to truth, guidance, and compassion.

Some individuals appear oblivious to the sanctity of life, with revenge driving a destructive cycle. Indeed, their hearts have certainly become dark.

Have we, as a community, allowed this drift towards indifference? Have we created or caused “community terrorism”? Something has gone wrong and if it is not corrected, we will all be negatively affected.

Breaking it requires a united response — parents, families, educators, faith leaders, civic groups, and politicians all working together.

Communities are not passive recipients of fate. They are agents of transformation through repentance, reform, and striving for good. To correct the process we have to do the opposite of what we have been doing.

In my opinion, what has been one of the contributors of the root causes of the situation at hand is neglect. As a community we neglected to see through the fog of false prosperity. True prosperity is when everyone is involved and benefiting, but when prosperity is not attainable for most, it breeds contempt, hate and all things vile.

We must pair equal opportunity with a realistic living economy by implementing trade schools, create jobs and strengthen education, improve housing, and healthcare and most importantly we must herald God into our homes by keeping corrosive demonic entertainment and evil behaviour out.

In Surah Ar-Ra'd, Allah reminds us: “Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” (13:11)

This verse is both a call and a comfort. It tells us that transformation is not only possible — it is promised, when we begin with sincerity, courage, and collective resolve.

Bermuda is in a critical mode, our condition seems hopeless but Allah assures us: when we change what is within — our awareness, our compassion, our willingness to act — He opens the door to healing and renewal.

Let us be the people who choose change. Who listen deeply, speak truthfully, and walk together towards safety and dignity for all.

We must beckon hope back into our equation for the salvation of our island home; it is imperative for healing and peace.

Life revolves in cycles, everything has an opposite — what is occurring in our island presently is wrong, so to counteract that, we must start to put our situation right. As the Koran reminds us, “Do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness.” (Koran 5:8)

Building a realistic economy means creating a system that meets the population’s basic needs, provides fair opportunities, and supports sustainable growth — while being grounded in the country’s real resources, workforce, and social structures.

These steps can bring hope to the deprived and wounded — because hurt people hurt people. We don't need worthless words, we need proactive work by everyone of us. Only then, will change for the best take place.

Our condolences and prayers go out to the latest victim and her family.

Bermuda, 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.

Bermuda, may your week be filled with love, purpose and hope.

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