Just like that, summer is practically over. The long days of sunshine, the buzz of family gatherings, the picnics, the travel plans, and the excitement of holidays all seemed to come and go in the blink of an eye.

It feels as if we were just preparing our calendars for barbecues, graduations, and long-awaited vacations — and now, here we are, on the doorstep of autumn.

Time has a way of slipping past us quietly, often without our noticing. The anticipation that built up before summer began — what we would do, whom we would see, where we would go — has now given way to the anticipation of something else: the new school year.

Parents are once again shopping for supplies, students are adjusting their sleep schedules, and teachers are finalising lesson plans. Life moves in cycles, and each one reminds us of how swiftly time passes.

In Islam, time is not something to be wasted or taken lightly. It is one of the greatest gifts Allah has given us, and one of the first things about which we will be questioned. The Koran is filled with reminders about the fleeting nature of life and the importance of making every moment count.

In Surah Al-Asr, Allah swears by time itself: “By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who believe and do righteous deeds and encourage one another to truth and encourage one another to patience.” (Koran, 103:1—3)

This short surah captures the essence of time’s value: it is slipping away, and unless we fill it with faith, good deeds, truth, and patience, we will have lost it. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) also reminded us: “Take advantage of five before five: your youth before your old age, your health before your sickness, your wealth before your poverty, your free time before your busyness, and your life before your death.” (al-Hākim)

These words feel especially poignant as we transition from one season to the next. Summer might have been full of joy, activity, and relaxation, but what did we truly do with our time?

Did we use it to reconnect with family, to strengthen our faith, to serve others, or to grow as individuals? Or did it slip by in distractions and idle moments? Islam calls us to be mindful that time, once gone, never returns.

Now, as the excitement of summer winds down, our attention shifts to the start of a new school year. For many, this time brings mixed emotions — nervousness about challenges ahead, eagerness for new opportunities, and maybe even a little reluctance to let go of the carefree days of vacation. Yet, this period of preparation is also an opportunity to reflect on the value of education and knowledge.

Education in Islam is not merely a worldly pursuit but a sacred one. The very first revelation to Prophet Muhammad was the command: “Read in the name of your Lord who created.” (Koran 96:1)

From the very beginning, Islam established a deep connection between faith and learning. Our beloved Prophet also emphasised the lifelong pursuit of knowledge, saying: “Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim.” (Ibn Mājah)

Notice that this obligation applies to both men and women, young and old. Knowledge is not something to acquire only for passing exams; it is meant to shape our character, guide our actions, and bring us closer to Allah. We are advised to “seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave”. Learning is a lifelong endeavour.

Islam elevates the status of those who learn and teach. Prophet Muhammad said: “The best of you are those who learn the Koran and teach it.” (Bukhārī)

And the Koran itself declares: “Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees.” (Koran 58:11)

As students sharpen their pencils, open new notebooks, digital devices, etc, and step into classrooms, they are entering a noble journey that Islam honours and encourages. Education is not simply preparation for a career; it is preparation for life, for understanding the world, for serving humanity, and ultimately, for seeking the pleasure of Allah.

However, our investment in secular education should not exceed our investment for godly education. One will serve us in this world and the other will most definitely serve us in this world and the next.

Time and education are deeply intertwined. Just as time is a trust, so too is the pursuit of knowledge. A wasted year of schooling is not just a missed academic opportunity — it is a lost portion of one’s life that could have been used to develop wisdom, skills, and character.

For parents and guardians, this season is also a reminder of their role in nurturing not only academic excellence but also moral and spiritual growth. Helping children value their time, set priorities, and approach education with sincerity can shape the course of their entire lives. We have an important responsibility to be of utmost support to the students in our care; ensuring we give them assurance and inspiration.

As summer gives way to autumn, let us pause and reflect. Did we make the most of our time during the last few months? And how will we use the time ahead, as routines change and school begins?

Let us carry with us the Islamic reminders: that time is precious, fleeting, and accountable, and that education is both a duty and a blessing.

The seasons change, and so do our responsibilities. What remains constant is the need to fill our days with purpose. Whether in leisure or in study, in play or in work, every moment can be an act of worship if we use it wisely.

Just like that, summer is practically over. But the lessons of time and education in Islam remind us that every ending is also a new beginning — and that the best way to honour the time we are given is to live it with intention, faith, and a thirst for knowledge.

“By time, knowledge elevates.” (Surah Al-Asr 58:11)

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.

We wish all the students a year of timeless success. Adopt as your mantra: “Time is life, knowledge is light — use both wisely.”

As-salaamu ‘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