Some months feel longer than others – not in days, but in emotional weight. July was that kind of month for me.

It came with heaviness, obstacles, and moments where I felt like I was dragging myself across the days. So, I sighed with relief as the end of the month approached.

In a moment of honesty, I turned to my 17-year-old grandson and said: “You know what? I’m just glad this month is almost over. It’s been a struggle.”

But his reply stopped me in my tracks.

He looked at me calmly and said: “But Jeddah, struggle is good. It builds muscle, it builds fortitude, and it builds character.”

“Jeddah” – that’s what he calls me, meaning grandmother in Arabic. A title filled with warmth and heritage. And in that moment, this young man reminded me of something so deeply true.

It was not just what he said – it was that he had been listening, observing, growing. Sometimes, as elders, we wonder whether our young people are absorbing the lessons of life, faith, and resilience. But here was my grandson, turning a difficult truth into a lesson of strength.

Struggle is good – when we pair it with patience.

In Islam, the connection between struggle (jihad, bala’) and patience (sabr) is deeply rooted in the Koran. In Surah Ash-Sharh (94:6), Allah says: “Indeed, with hardship comes ease.”

Not once, but twice in that surah, this reminder is given. Ease does not come after hardship in a separate moment – it comes with it. Like the way a storm eventually clears the sky, or how contractions precede birth, hardship carries within it the seed of ease.

And throughout the Koran, we are reminded again and again to have patience. Sabr is not passive waiting. It is endurance. It is discipline. It is the active choice to trust in Allah’s timing when everything seems uncertain. It is the patience of Prophet Ayub (Job), who endured illness and loss with unwavering faith. It is the patience of Prophet Muhammad who bore persecution and loss with mercy and steadfastness.

My grandson was right. Struggle builds what ease alone cannot:

• Muscle – not only in the physical sense, but emotional and spiritual strength

• Fortitude – a resilience that holds you steady when life shakes your foundations

• Character – hardship reveals your values, your humility, and your ability to rise with grace.

It’s in our hardest moments that we discover the depth of our faith, the clarity of our thoughts, and the sincerity of our trust in Allah.

While struggle builds, patience sustains. Struggle without patience can turn to bitterness. But patience turns struggle into wisdom and reward.

The Koran says: “O you who believe! Seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:153)

That means you’re never alone. In your darkest hour, Allah is near – with you, strengthening you, rewarding your endurance.

Time is a healer, and patience teaches us to trust the slow unfolding of relief. Just as seeds take months to bloom into fruit-bearing trees, our growth often happens in the unseen and the uncomfortable.

As I reflected on my grandson’s words, I felt something else – deep gratitude. He had comforted my heart without even realising it.

And my mind turned to a beautiful verse in the Koran, in Surah Al-Furqan (25:74): “Our Lord, grant us from among our spouses and offspring coolness of our eyes, and make us leaders for the righteous.”

Qurrata a‘yun – the coolness of our eyes – is the peace, joy, and comfort children can bring. Like a balm to a weary heart.

In that moment, he was my qurrata a‘yun. Not because he was perfect, but because Allah used his words to remind me of what truly matters.

Faith. Patience. Growth. Trust. Family.

That simple exchange with my grandson lifted something heavy off my spirit. It reminded me to be grateful not only for ease, but even for the struggle. Because struggle is how we grow. And patience is how we survive and find meaning in it all. Indeed I am a grateful grandmother trying my best to become a grateful servant of Allah.

So, if this month or season in your life has felt long, I invite you to pause. Reflect. Be patient. Trust in Allah’s promise. Know that Allah’s promise is true.

Struggle may be your teacher right now, but ease is on the way. Keep holding on to the rope of Allah.

And look around you – you may find, in the eyes of those you love, a quiet reminder that Allah is with you. That you are growing. That the next chapter is unfolding with wisdom.

Indeed, with hardship comes ease; and Allah’s promise is true. Subhanallah!

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.

In these trying times, may we also turn our attention inward – to care for and support one another within our own small but precious island community.

The power to address and overcome our challenges lies within us. Unity, compassion, and collective action will carry us forward.

Bermuda, may your week be blessed, purposeful, and peaceful.

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