The first ten days of Ramadan have arrived gently, like a mercy settling over the world. For Muslims, these opening days are known as the days of Rahmah — divine mercy — a time when hearts soften, intentions reset, and communities lean more consciously towards compassion.

Fasting from dawn to sunset is not simply a physical discipline; it is an invitation to notice hunger, to recognise dependence on God, and to remember those for whom hunger is not temporary but experienced daily with no hope of an end in sight.

Allah says about fasting: “And to fast is better for you, if only you knew.” (Koran 2:183)

This emphasises that fasting carries hidden benefits such as spiritual purification, discipline and self‑restraint, strengthening taqwah (the spiritual “alertness” that keeps one on the straight path), compassion for others and physical and emotional resilience, to name a few.

My personal experience is that I can feel a freshness taking over my spirit — I am calmer and more tolerant. I can see things so much clearer and guess what … I'm not even hungry or thirsty — indeed that is a feat to achieve as I love to eat!

But my focus is on my spiritual food which is satisfying my appetite, Alhamdulilah!

These early days call believers to reflect before routine takes over. They urge us to ask: who am I becoming this Ramadan?

It is easy to focus on meals, timetables, and gatherings, but the essence of Ramadan lies in inner work, patience in speech, generosity in action, and sincerity in worship.

Mercy received should become mercy given; we have to show and share what is given to us. “Whoever does not show mercy to people, Allah will not show mercy to him.” (Sahih Muslim 2319)

A smile, a meal shared, a debt forgiven, a phone call to someone lonely — these are the quiet deeds that shape the spirit of the month.

At the same time, as February closes, we also bid farewell to Black History Month 2026. Yet farewell does not mean forgetting. The month serves as a reminder for us to never forget achievements despite monumental challenges.

The stories of resilience, brilliance, struggle, and achievement across the African diaspora should not be revisited once a year and shelved for the rest. They must live in our classrooms, our conversations, our hiring decisions, our reading lists, and our moral consciousness every day of the year.

Ramadan’s message of mercy and Black History Month’s call to remembrance meet at a shared point: justice rooted in dignity. Both ask us to see one another fully, to confront inequity honestly, and to act with courage and compassion.

When we honour the past and serve the present, we help build a future that is fairer than what we inherited.

This is why Ramadan is also a season of giving. Charity is not an optional extra; it is a pillar of faith and a sign of humanity. Around the world, conflict, poverty, and displacement continue to wound communities.

Yet relief does not only come from large institutions — it comes from ordinary people choosing to do something rather than nothing. Whether through donating, volunteering, mentoring, advocating, or simply checking on a neighbour, every act of care eases suffering somewhere.

As we move deeper into this sacred month of Ramadan and step beyond Black History Month, may we carry forward both remembrance and responsibility. Let mercy shape our worship, justice guide our choices, and generosity define our presence in the world.

“O Allah, Lord of all humanity, bring justice where there is oppression, relief where there is hardship, healing where there is pain, and peace where there is conflict. Unite hearts in compassion, guide leaders to fairness, and make us among those who serve others sincerely. Accept our fasting, our remembrance, and our efforts for good.” Ameen.

Bermuda, may the upcoming week hold blessings and purpose for all.

Ramadan Mubarak.

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