Throughout my life and even more so now that I am older do I appreciate acts of kindness, whether it be aimed towards me or by me. I have been in countless situations whereby if kindness had not been shown to me, I shudder to think what my fate would have been.

Without kindness the world would be even in worse shape than it is. Kindness is the glue that holds humanity together. Islam values and promotes kindness at every level, the rich and the poor should be treated with kindness.

What is kindness? Kindness is the quality of being gentle, caring, and helpful without expecting anything in return. Kindness is the key element of ensuring harmony exists among people, no matter their creed, race or any of that insignificant stuff that causes so much hate and divide.

In 1982, the phrase “random acts of kindness” was coined by Anne Herbert, an American writer and activist. Displaying random acts of kindness was encouraged as a way of promoting kindred spirits, to put love and positivity into our environment for the sake of humanity.

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) taught love, kindness and compassion to his people, and was seen to be the most loving, kind, and compassionate of all of them. The Koran mentions his kind and gentle behaviour in these words: “O Messenger of Allah! It is a great Mercy of God that you are gentle and kind towards them; for, had you been harsh and hard-hearted, they would all have broken away from you.” (Koran 3:159).

There are many a Hadith that attest to the kindness of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) together with his gentleness, especially to the weak and the poor. Anas, who was his helper, said: “I served Allah's Messenger for ten years and he never said to me, ‘Shame’ or ‘Why did you do such-and-such a thing?’ or ‘Why did you not do such-and-such a thing?’" (Bukhari, 2038).

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was the epitome of kindness. We are urged to follow his beautiful character. Once he said to his wife: “0h 'A'ishah! Never turn away any needy man from your door empty-handed. 0h 'A'ishah! Love the poor; bring them near to you and God will bring you near to Him on the Day of Resurrection.”

He went on to say: “Seek me among your weak ones, for you are given provision, or you are given help only by reason of the presence of your weak ones.” Indeed, placed before us are situations or subtle tests that call for us to display our kindness and in turn we too receive kindness.

God Almighty is kind, and the Prophet (pbuh) followed Allah's example with perfection by showing kindness to his servants and all creatures without any regard for their beliefs, colour or nationality. The Prophet (pbuh) said: “God is kind and likes kindness in all things.” (Bukhari).

As members of the human family, may we never hesitate to display random acts of kindness towards others in our midst.

Let us continue to stand for peace wherever conflict exists. Let us continue to speak out against cruelty and violence. Let the bombing cease immediately and let peace and kindness reign throughout our world.

We the Muslims of Bermuda pray for you kindness and contentment. 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