This week I’ve been reflecting deeply on death. There is a Hadith that reminds us that we bury our dead day after day, yet we fail to learn from it or take heed.

So what is it that we are meant to learn from death?

Allah says: “Every soul shall taste death …” (3:185).

Muslims believe that death is not just an end — it is a certainty, a reality written for every single one of us, no matter who we are or how we live.

The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: “Remember often the destroyer of pleasures (ie, death).” (Reported in Jamiʿat-Tirmidhi).

Death is a mirror held up to the living. It reminds us of our return to Allah, beyond status, wealth, or plans.

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

This life is not a place of permanence, but a passage. Time is not guaranteed, and every moment is an opportunity either gained or lost.

Death calls us to examine our hearts:

Are we sincere?

Are we just?

Are we preparing for what comes next?

Prophet Muhammad said: “The intelligent one is the one who controls himself and works for what comes after death …” (Reported in Jami at-Tirmidhi).

So death is not meant to paralyse us, but to awaken us.

Prophet Muhammad also reminded us: “When a person dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him.” (Reported in Sahih Muslim).

What we send ahead is what remains — our charity, our words, our impact on others.

Death softens the heart when we allow it to. It urges us to mend broken ties, to seek forgiveness, and to forgive others. It strips away illusion and brings clarity to what truly matters.

And perhaps most importantly, it teaches us urgency without panic. Prophet Muhammad advised: “Take advantage of five before five: your youth before your old age … your life before your death.” (Reported in Al-Hakim’s al-Mustadrak)

Will we be ready when death knocks at our door … because ready or not … death will knock and won't wait to be let in — death comes — ready or not.

So the lesson is not to fear death, but to let it guide how we live — with purpose, with sincerity, and with the quiet awareness that one day, we too will be carried to our final resting place.

Allah says: “Every soul shall taste death …” (3:185).

And He reminds us that l: “Indeed, my prayer, my sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds.” (6:162).

We send our sincere condolences to the family of our dearly beloved sister, Sister Inas Shabazz, who returned to her Lord last week: “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un” (“Verily we belong to Allah, and verily to Him do we return”).

Sister Inas Shabazz was a respected and longstanding member of our community. She was a devoted mother and grandmother, a woman of strength in her prayers, and someone who quietly gave so much to others.

Her wisdom, perseverance, and constant willingness to help will never be forgotten. She was truly a pillar in our community, and her presence touched many lives.

May Allah forgive her shortcomings, widen her grave, and fill it with light. May He grant her Jannatul Firdaus, grant her a place among the righteous, and reunite her with her loved ones in the highest ranks of Paradise.

Bermuda have a blessed and reflective week.

Let us continue to pray for global justice and peace for all.

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