As we remember those who lost their lives in the two world wars, as well as those who lost their lives in the many wars and armed conflicts that followed, together with those who continue to sacrifice their lives because of conflicts still raging in different parts of the world today, perhaps we should reflect not only on the sacrifice of those who died and continue to die, but also on the political decisions, ambitions and failures of diplomacy that brought about and continues to bring such devastating loss of human life.

Millions of men, many of them young, were conscripted into the armed forces of their respective countries. They did not necessarily choose war; rather, war became a reality imposed upon them by political decisions, national obligations and circumstances beyond their control. Their courage, suffering and ultimate sacrifice deserve our recognition and respect. Behind every statistic was a human being, a family, a community and a future that may never have been realised. We can honour their sacrifice without accepting that their deaths were necessary.

From an Islamic perspective, human life is sacred. The Koran states: “Whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land — it is as if he had slain mankind entirely.” (Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:32).

Islam does not disregard the right of people to defend themselves against aggression. However, it establishes boundaries, even during conflict. Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:190): “Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors.”

That final instruction is particularly significant. Even in warfare, there are moral limits. The pursuit of victory does not grant unlimited permission to destroy, oppress or disregard human dignity.

Yet warfare has evolved considerably and in my opinion, not in a positive way. What once involved armies confronting one another on battlefields has developed into aerial bombardment, long-range missiles, drone strikes and increasingly sophisticated weapons capable of devastating entire communities.

Those authorising attacks may be thousands of miles from the people experiencing their consequences. Technology has increased the reach and efficiency of destruction, but has it advanced our collective humanity?

Civilians, including children, the elderly and those with no involvement in military operations, continue to bear an intolerable burden of suffering. Homes, hospitals, schools and entire communities are destroyed. The protection of innocent life must never become an inconvenience in the pursuit of victory.

Perhaps we should also question whether our understanding of strength has become distorted. Is strength measured by the number of weapons possessed, territories conquered or enemies defeated? Or might true strength be demonstrated through restraint, diplomacy, compassion and the courage to pursue peace?

The Koran offers a profound instruction in Surah Al-Anfal (8:61): “And if they incline to peace, then incline to it also and rely upon Allah.”

And yet, as wars continue to rage across different parts of the world, the prospect of a wider international conflict remains a source of profound concern. Once again, military force appears to occupy centre stage in the resolution of international disputes, while diplomacy, negotiation and compromise struggle to command the same attention.

The language of destruction seems increasingly prominent, even as the human cost of previous conflicts remains etched in our collective history. We commemorate the fallen and proclaim “Lest we forget”, yet looking at the world today, one cannot help but wonder whether the message itself has been forgotten.

Remembering the fallen must surely mean more than commemorating their deaths. It must also mean learning from history and challenging the political ambitions, divisions and failures of diplomacy that continue to bring about conflict.

I have long held the view that there has never been a good war or a bad peace. This is not to dismiss the need to resist oppression or defend the vulnerable, but to question a world in which warfare repeatedly becomes the chosen response to human disagreement.

May we honour those who sacrificed their lives by working towards a world in which future generations are not required to make the same sacrifice.

Peace should never be regarded as a sign of weakness. It is one of humanity's greatest responsibilities.

Bermuda can become an amoeba of peace within our community — a small but living, evolving presence from which something much greater can emerge. Let us begin microscopically, nurturing peace within our own shores as part of a much wider global vision for peace.

Bermuda, let peace begin within us. And who knows? Perhaps the peace we cultivate within our community will radiate beyond our shores, contributing to a more peaceful world — a world shaped by future generations of leaders whose narrative is one of peace, understanding and diplomacy.

Lest we forget. We must not and never forget. Remembrance is our driving force towards sustainable peace.

Remembrance Day needs to be every day — 365 days, 24/7 — Lest we forget.

Remembrance must be more than an act of looking back; it must inspire reflection, accountability and a renewed commitment to justice, compassion and reconciliation.

In Islam, these are fundamental to building lasting peace. Remembrance, therefore, must be our driving force towards sustainable peace — not simply for ourselves, but for generations yet to come. Our very survival depends on our local community development and healing to ensure worldwide peace, devoid of the tragedy of war. After all, what is war good for? Lest we forget.

There is a profound distinction between remembering the suffering caused by war and actually learning from it.

The Koran repeatedly calls upon humanity to reflect upon the experiences of those who came before us. That reflection should influence how we treat each other today.

Peace is not merely something we wish for; it is something we have a responsibility to practise.

It brings to reality for each one of us the phrase: “If it is to be, it is up to me.”

Each one of us can become agents of reconciliation.

Indeed, the Koran reminds us in surah Al-Hujurat (49:10): “The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy.”

Allah is telling us that the believers are brothers and sisters and calls upon them to make peace and reconciliation between one another. This principle extends beyond our immediate communities: it reminds us of the importance of reconciliation, mutual respect and our shared responsibility towards humanity.

This gives us a practical responsibility to become peacemakers within our families, communities and wider society.

If we cannot cultivate peace among ourselves, how can we realistically expect to contribute to peace in the wider world? The narrative must be changed — we have a responsibility to the present as well as to future generations; peace must begin with us, here and now — Lest we forget.

We must commit and be convicted to never forgetting through our collaborative efforts to be peacemakers — Lest we forget and we must never forget.

Bermuda — 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