As the blessed month of Ramadan continues, believers now enter its second phase — a period traditionally associated with seeking forgiveness from our Lord.

After the opening days that remind us of divine mercy, the middle portion of Ramadan calls the faithful to turn inward with humility, repentance, and renewed sincerity.

The Koran repeatedly reminds us that Allah’s door of forgiveness remains open to those who sincerely return to Him.

Allah says: “Say, ‘O My servants who have transgressed against themselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful.’” (Koran, 39:53)

This verse captures the spirit of this stage of Ramadan. No matter the weight of our shortcomings, believers are encouraged never to lose hope in Allah’s mercy. Ramadan offers a sacred opportunity to pause, reflect, and seek forgiveness through prayer, fasting, charity, and heartfelt supplication.

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) emphasised this promise when he said: “Whoever fasts Ramadan with faith and seeking reward will have his past sins forgiven.” (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)

Forgiveness in Islam, however, is not only something we seek from Allah; it is also something we must extend to others. Holding onto resentment or refusing reconciliation contradicts the very spirit of Ramadan. The Koran praises those who forgive and rise above anger:

“Let them pardon and overlook. Would you not love that Allah should forgive you?” (24:22)

If we hope for Allah’s forgiveness, we must embody that same mercy towards family, friends, neighbours, and even those who have wronged us. Ramadan therefore becomes both a personal and communal journey — one that encourages healing, reconciliation, and compassion.

This reflection on learning, humility, and spiritual growth also resonates with another meaningful moment that occurred this past Thursday — the celebration of World Book Day. It is a day that honours the value of books, reading, and the pursuit of knowledge.

For Muslims, this reminder carries a special resonance because the Koran itself is repeatedly referred to as “The Book” — a source of guidance, wisdom, and reflection for humanity.

Even more striking is the fact that the very first message revealed to Prophet Muhammad began with a command to read. When the Angel Jibril (Gabriel) first delivered revelation, the words were: “Read in the name of your Lord who created.” (96:1)

This moment marked the beginning of prophethood and the start of the Koranic revelation. The word Iqra’ — read or recite — was the very first instruction given in Islam.

It established knowledge as the foundation of faith and reminded believers that learning, reflection, and understanding are acts of worship when connected to the remembrance of God.

Yet as Muslims seek forgiveness and spiritual renewal during Ramadan, our hearts cannot ignore the painful realities unfolding in parts of the world today.

The sanctity of this sacred month — meant to be a time of peace, restraint, and compassion — has been marred by bombings, violence, and the tragic loss of innocent lives. Such acts reveal a disregard for justice, law, and the sanctity of human life.

The Koran reminds humanity of the gravity of such injustice: “Whoever kills a soul … it is as if he has killed all of mankind; and whoever saves a life, it is as if he has saved all of mankind.” (5:32)

These words remind us that life is sacred and that justice and mercy must guide human conduct.

As Ramadan now moves towards its final and most sacred stage — the last ten nights -believers are reminded of the third and concluding phase: seeking protection and mercy from the hellfire. Prophet Muhammad taught that during Ramadan Allah frees many people from the fire, especially during its closing nights.

Therefore, the middle days of Ramadan should awaken our hearts.

Let us seek Allah’s forgiveness sincerely, forgive those who have wronged us, embrace knowledge and reflection, and prepare spiritually for the final stretch of this blessed month when divine mercy descends in abundance.

May this Ramadan cleanse our hearts, deepen our understanding, strengthen our compassion, and guide humanity towards justice, knowledge, and peace.

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