The experience I had this past week made me reflect and put into perspective that every departure holds a promise of return.

When my daughter and nine-year-old granddaughter came from overseas to visit, our hearts overflowed with joy. But their visit did not begin at the airport — it began long before, in the quiet planning, the shared anticipation, the prayers whispered in hope.

From the moment we mapped out the details to the day I embraced them at arrivals, every moment was orchestrated with love and purpose.

We filled our days with laughter, stories, and the kind of togetherness that nourishes the soul. But as every journey has a beginning, so too must it have an end. The day of departure arrived. We hugged tightly, tears streaming down our faces, promising weekly FaceTime calls and more frequent visits. And as I watched them walk away, I was overcome with reflection.

This rhythm of arrival and departure reminded me of a deeper truth: our earthly lives mirror this cycle. We come into this world, live our appointed time, and then — inevitably — we return to our Creator.

Allah says: “From it We created you, and into it We will return you, and from it We will extract you another time.” (Koran 20:55)

Just as my daughter’s visit was never meant to be permanent, our time on Earth is but a temporary stop.

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: “Be in this world as though you were a stranger or a traveller.” (Bukhari)

We are all travellers, passing through. And like any journey, the return is inevitable. Some prepare for it with anticipation and hope, others with denial and distraction. But the return will come.

Upon hearing of someone’s passing, Muslims say: “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajiun” — “Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return.” (Koran 2:156)

This phrase is not just a statement of grief — it is a profound reminder of our origin and our destination. It affirms that every soul is on a journey, and every departure is a return to the One who created us.

But peace in that return is not promised to all. Allah says: “Indeed, those who have said, ‘Our Lord is Allah’ and then remained steadfast — on them the angels will descend, [saying], ‘Do not fear and do not grieve but receive good tidings of Paradise, which you were promised.’” (Koran 41:30)

This peace is reserved for those who believe, who live with purpose, and who follow the commands of Allah with sincerity. It is not enough to know we will return — we must prepare for it with faith and righteous action.

And when the righteous enter Paradise, they will ask about their loved ones. The Koran describes this tender moment:

“They will turn to one another, asking questions. One of them will say, ‘I had a companion who used to say, “Are you truly of those who believe?” (Koran 37:50—51)

This longing for reunion is answered with mercy. In Paradise, families are reunited:

“And those who believed and whose descendants followed them in faith — we will join them with their descendants.” (Koran 52:21)

Imagine that encounter: the joy of seeing your loved ones again, not in sorrow but in eternal peace. A reunion not marked by departure, but by permanence. No more goodbyes. Only joy, only mercy.

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad said: “The wise person is the one who subdues his self and works for what is after death.” (Tirmidhi)

And so I pray, in shaa Allah, that soon I will be enjoying the company of my daughter and granddaughter again — this time with the sun warming our backs and the turquoise waters of John Smith’s Bay welcoming us for that long-awaited swim. Just as we planned every detail of her visit, I pray we will plan our next reunion with even more love, more faith, and more gratitude.

Because if we came — and came we did — we must and will return. And in that return lies the promise of reunion, of mercy, and — if we believe and obey — of eternal peace.

Bermuda, you moved with heart. In the face of another’s storm, you rose with compassion.

Bermuda mobilised swiftly to support the One Love Bermuda Relief Effort. With tremendous dedication, BermudAir partnered with the Jamaican Association (Bermuda) to organise a relief flight to Jamaica — without hesitation.

Over 4,000lbs of disaster relief supplies were flown, including food, hygiene items, and emergency essentials. Donations were lovingly gathered at the Hamilton Seventh-day Adventist Centre, where volunteers sorted and packed with care.

To every hand that gave, packed, prayed, or flew — thank you. May your generosity return to you tenfold. One love, always.

We are reminded in the Islamic Hadith that “The best of people are those who are most beneficial to others.” (Al-Mu’jam Al-Awsat, Tabarani)

Let’s continue the mission and legacy of love, care, and service to one another — because that is what truly makes us the best of people.

Bermuda, may you have a blessed week.

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