In Islam, health is not merely a personal blessing — it is a trust (amanah) from Allah. Our bodies have been entrusted to us for a limited time, and we are accountable for how we care for them.

The Koran reminds us of this temporary stewardship and inevitable return to our Creator: “Every soul will taste death. And only on the Day of Resurrection will you be paid your wages in full.” (Koran 3:185)

This verse teaches that while death is certain, the manner in which we live — including how we maintain our health — is part of our spiritual duty. Preserving health is an act of gratitude, faith, and obedience to Allah.

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) offered timeless wisdom on this matter: “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 you are preoccupied, and your life before your death. “(Narrated by Ibn Abbas — Al-Hakim)

This Hadith reminds us that health is fleeting and must not be neglected. To care for our bodies is to honour the trust Allah has placed in us. It is also a reminder that self-care, medical attention, and preventive health practices are not acts of vanity — they are acts of worship and responsibility.

The irony of neglect is real and sadly, many of us fall into a trap of misplaced priorities. We overwork ourselves to gain worldly possessions and comforts, often at the expense of our physical and emotional wellbeing. We eat and drink too much of what harms us and too little of what nourishes us. We ignore exercise, carry unnecessary stress, and fail to get proper rest.

Routine wellness examinations and preventive checkups are postponed, and we tell ourselves that we are too busy or too strong to need them — until the inevitable happens.

Then, sickness strikes, and we are forced to stop the very behaviours that weakened us. We find ourselves in hospitals or under medical supervision, spending the hard-earned money we once chased on treatments and recovery.

It does not make logical sense. As the adage goes, “Health is wealth.”

True prosperity lies in balance — not in endless striving at the expense of our bodies and minds, but in moderation, mindfulness, and gratitude.

As we mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are reminded that vigilance in health matters is a form of gratitude to Allah. Preventive screenings, early detection, and education save lives. These actions align with the Prophet’s (pbuh) teaching to seek cures, for he said: “Seek treatment, O servants of Allah, for Allah has not created a disease except that He has also created its cure.” (Hadith — Abu Dawud)

Indeed, awareness is an act of worship.

Cancer continues to be one of Bermuda’s most pressing health challenges. According to the Bermuda National Cancer Control Plan (2024—2030), cancer accounts for nearly one-third of all deaths on the island. The most common types include lung, prostate, colorectal, and breast cancers.

Globally, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that in 2022 there were approximately 2.3 million new breast cancer cases among women and 670,000 deaths. Although rarer, men account for about 0.5 to 1 per cent of breast cancer cases worldwide — showing that awareness and screening are essential for everyone.

Even when we take care of our health, sickness may still come. Illness and hardship are part of life’s tests, and in this world there are no guarantees. Yet, our duty remains to follow Allah’s command by caring for ourselves and honouring the body He has entrusted to us. When we make that effort, we can say with peace of heart that we tried, and that we obeyed the divine instruction to preserve our wellbeing.

Only Allah knows the wisdom behind every trial, and He is the best knower and disposer of our affairs. Sometimes, sickness itself becomes a form of mercy — a means by which Allah purifies us, forgives our sins, and draws us closer to Him.

We are each caretakers of our own health — not owners. This life and this body are temporary trusts. Caring for them honours Allah, benefits our families, and strengthens our communities.

Governments and healthcare providers must continue to expand access to screening and support, but as individuals, we must take initiative: learn the signs, attend regular checkups, and encourage others to do the same.

Let us remember that faith and health are intertwined. By safeguarding our wellbeing, we show gratitude for one of Allah’s greatest blessings. May we live with awareness, gratitude, and balance — until we return to our Lord, having honoured the trust He placed in us.

Bermuda we must continue to pray and do what we can for peace to reign and man-made hardship to cease. Let us remember that there is power in prayer and strength in unity; let’s do it for both Bermuda and the global community.

All those experiencing ill health, may you be blessed with fast and complete healing.

Bermuda be blessed with a beautiful week filled with health, wealth, love and happiness.

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