“I am as My servant thinks of Me. If he thinks well of Me, he shall have it.”– Hadith Qudsi

This profound statement reminds us that our perception of Allah shapes our spiritual experience. It inspires us to think of Him in the highest and most hopeful way, expecting the fullest return of His mercy and might. The more we give of ourselves to Him, the more He gives to us – far beyond what we deserve.

This dynamic relationship is not abstract; it is lived daily by Muslims around the world. When a person sacrifices sleep to rise for Fajr, trusts Allah during financial hardship, or forgives others purely for His sake, they embody the belief that Allah responds with generosity and kindness.

As the Koran says: “Indeed, Allah does not allow the reward of the righteous to be lost.” (Koran 18:30)

This hopeful mindset is reflected in the verse: “Say, indeed my prayer, my sacrifice, my life and my death are all for Allah, Lord of the worlds.” (Koran 6:162)

It is a declaration that our entire existence belongs to Allah. This awareness transforms how we work, serve others, and endure hardship. When we live with divine intention, even the mundane becomes worship.

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: “Whoever loves for Allah, hates for Allah, gives for Allah, and withholds for Allah has completed the faith.” (Abu Dawood)

Loving someone for the sake of Allah purifies the heart from ego and selfishness. It encourages mercy, forgiveness, and selflessness – expecting reward only from the Creator.

This mindset is beautifully embodied in the life of our beloved Prophet Muhammad. His patience, generosity, humility, and compassion offer a human reflection of divine attributes. He was the walking Koran – a living manifestation of love and mercy. A perfect example for us to follow.

Following the Sunnah means responding to hostility with grace, meeting trials with sabr, and bowing in prayer with sincerity. It is walking in the spirit of Allah’s pleasure.

“When My servant comes to Me walking, I come to him running.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

Indeed, Allah runs to us, when we have firm belief and trust in Him.

This divine promise speaks of immense mercy. A single sincere step towards Allah is met with divine eagerness. So long as we cling to His rope, we are never alone.

“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided. And remember the favour of Allah upon you …” (Koran 3:103)

“And your Lord has not forsaken you, nor has He detested [you].” (Koran 93:3)

Yet, trusting in Allah does not mean life will be without hardship. In fact, trials refine faith and strengthen resolve. Allah says: “Do people think they will be left to say, ‘We believe’ and they will not be tested?” (Koran 29:2)

Faith is not passive – it requires perseverance. Struggles reveal sincerity. If we hold onto hope through grief, and faith through uncertainty, we become among those whom Allah elevates. Trials are a part of belief. Without them, we would not appreciate peace. Just like we have to be hungry, to appreciate food.

Let us strive to live a life that reflects our highest thoughts of Allah. Let our prayers, our service, and our relationships be acts of love – anchored not in worldly reward, but in divine purpose. Because with every sincere step towards Him, Allah comes with many more.

So as we think of God, so is He. He is ever with us through every trial and every triumph, we just have to sincerely believe that He is enough for us, He is ever present and all knowing of our condition and we will be comforted by and by as long as we never despair of Allah’s greatness and mercy.

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