Human beings are created with an extraordinary inner power — the power of choice, intention, discipline, and transformation.

Islam teaches that while Allah is the ultimate source of strength and guidance, we are responsible for the direction we steer our own souls. No one can force us towards goodness or drag us towards harm unless we open the door ourselves.

Allah reminds us in the Koran: “Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is within themselves.” (13:11)

This verse is a declaration of agency. Agency in Islam means that Allah has given every human being the power to choose, and we are accountable for those choices.

It tells us that transformation begins internally — in our thoughts, habits, sincerity, and effort. Divine help arrives when we take the first step.

“As the wisdom goes: When I was clever, I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I change myself.”

The meaning aligns beautifully with Islamic teachings:

• Change begins with the self (Koran 13:11)

• Wisdom is shown in self‑reform, not trying to control others

• The nafs must be purified before the world can be improved.

Allah also honours this Ummah with a profound title: “You are the best nation brought forth for mankind …” (3:110)

But this praise is not unconditional. The verse continues by describing why we are the best: because we uphold justice, enjoin good, forbid wrong, and believe in Allah. Our excellence is tied to our actions, not our identity alone.

And Allah warns us with equal clarity: if we abandon His guidance, He can replace us with another people who will be grateful, mindful, and obedient. (47:38)

This is a reminder that being “the best Ummah” is not a permanent status — it is a responsibility. If we drift from His message, neglect His warnings, or lose our moral compass, Allah can raise up others who will carry the trust we abandoned.

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) reinforced this truth when he said: “The strong person is not the one who overpowers others, but the one who controls himself when angry.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

Strength, in Islam, is measured by self‑mastery — the ability to restrain impulses, choose patience, uphold dignity, and act with intention rather than reaction.

Some of us lean on our good deeds to get us favour whilst forgetting that our bad needs bring reproach and take away the measurements of our good. Our deeds are calculated on a scale, nothing good or bad skips weighing.

When the balance of our scales are given to us on the Day of Judgment let us not be surprised as the people were that nothing was left out. An example of this is found in Surah Al-Kahf (18:48).

It describes the Day of Judgment when the book of deeds is placed before people, and they will express shock at its accuracy.

“ … and they say: What kind of a Book is this that leaveth not a small thing nor a great thing but hath counted it!”

The complete verse describes the criminals being fearful of their records, finding all their deeds present before them, and affirming that Allah does not treat anyone with injustice.

Further the Koran reminds us on that Day people will proceed in separate groups to be shown the consequences of their deeds. “So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it. And whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it.” (99:7-8)

So let us be mindful and do not allow our good deeds to be followed by reproach; such as committing an unfavourable act which depletes our scales.

We must stay mindful of our nafs — the part of us that carries desire, ego, and impulses. Islam teaches that the nafs can lead to good or evil, and it needs Tazkiyah (purification) to reach peace.

Uncontrolled nafs can look like ego but ego is only one part of the nafs.

The nafs is bigger — it includes all desires and impulses that need purification.

Stay aware, don’t follow the whispers of Shayton, and keep working to purify your heart. Every action will be brought to account, and Allah’s pleasure is the greatest reward.

Every day, we stand at a crossroads between better and worse. We choose whether to nurture our hearts or neglect them, whether to elevate our character or allow it to erode. Islam teaches that self‑development is an act of worship. When we refine our character, discipline our desires, and strive for excellence, we honour the trust Allah placed within us.

And just as individuals must guard their inner identity, communities must guard their cultural identity.

As Bermuda Day approaches, we are reminded that identity is not only personal — it is collective. A people without culture is a people without memory. Our traditions, stories, music, food, and celebrations are not decorations; they are the threads that weave us together.

To know one’s culture is to know one’s roots. To preserve it is to honour those who came before us. And to celebrate it is to nourish pride in those who will come after.

In a world where borrowed trends and imported influences spread quickly, we must be careful not to dilute what is uniquely ours. Culture grows, but it should not be replaced. It evolves, but it should not be erased.

So as we step into Bermuda Day — with its colours, rhythms, and joy — let us carry our heritage with dignity. Let us celebrate what is authentically Bermudian. Let us protect the beauty of our past while walking confidently into our future.

Have a safe, happy, and prideful Bermuda Day — and may we always remain proud to be Bermudian.

Just a reminder of One Love Bermuda Ummah's community event which has been ongoing all week with the last event being held this evening at Masjid. Quba, 12 Lighthouse Lane, Southampton.

All are invited- bring your family, your neighbour, your friends. Come for the reminders, stay for the connection, eat and enjoy delicious Bermuda cuisine for free and leave with something meaningful.

Bermuda may you have a blessed and purposeful week.

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