Do you know why great nations fall, families fall apart, and relationships crumble?

It seems to me that, more often than not, the answer lies in one thing: a lack of unity among us. When we lose the ability to stand together, communicate with one another and work towards a common purpose, the very foundations that hold us together begin to weaken. But what exactly is community unity and why is it so important to the strength and wellbeing of our communities?

Unity is not simply a desirable quality within a community; in Islam, it is an essential part of our faith and a responsibility placed upon us by Allah. The Koran repeatedly reminds believers of the importance of standing together, maintaining bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, and avoiding the divisions that weaken communities.

Allah says in the Koran:

“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not be divided.” (3:103)

For Muslims, this powerful verse speaks directly to the importance of collective unity. It reminds us that our strength comes not from our differences but from what unites us: our belief in Allah, our love for His Messenger (pbuh), and our commitment to living according to the principles of Islam.

Our Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) also described the believers as being connected to one another. He said: “The believers are like one body; when one part of the body suffers, the whole body responds.” (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)

What a profound description of community. A healthy community does not turn away when one of its members is struggling. It reaches out. It listens. It supports. It celebrates together and, when necessary, grieves together.

Unity, however, does not mean that everyone must think, behave or come from the same background. Our communities naturally contain people of different ages, cultures, experiences, personalities and perspectives. Unity means learning how to stand together despite those differences, while keeping our common purpose firmly before us.

Prophet (pbuh) further said: “A Muslim is the brother of another Muslim. He does not wrong him, abandon him, or despise him.” (Sahih Muslim)

These teachings provide a blueprint for the kind of community we should strive to build here in Bermuda — a community where people feel welcomed, valued and connected; where differences do not become barriers; and where we recognise that we have far more in common than that which separates us.

For the past three years, One Love Bermuda Ummah has endeavoured to turn this Islamic principle of unity into reality. Through a range of programmes, gatherings, discussions and community events, the organisation has sought to create opportunities for all to come together, build relationships and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood across the island.

Working in collaboration with the Bermuda Hijab Dawah Team, One Love Bermuda Ummah also strives to instil an attitude of unity among all residents of Bermuda. The vision extends beyond bringing Muslims together. It is about encouraging a spirit of respect, compassion, understanding and togetherness throughout the wider community.

Bermuda is a small island and our lives are inevitably interconnected. What affects one part of our community can ultimately affect us all. Unity therefore should not be viewed simply as an Islamic ideal but as a principle capable of strengthening the entire Bermudian community.

The work has never been about simply organising events. At its heart has been a much bigger vision: One Ummah, One God, One Qiblah. It has been about creating spaces where people can meet one another beyond the usual circles, discover common ground and remember that the strength of an Ummah is found in its togetherness.

The Koran reminds us: “The believers are but brothers, so make peace between your brothers and fear Allah that you may receive mercy.” (49:10)

That command to reconcile, strengthen relationships and preserve unity remains just as relevant today as it was centuries ago.

It is in this spirit that One Love Bermuda Ummah is bringing the community together once again for its Summer Picnic. More than a picnic, it is an opportunity to step away from the pressures and divisions of everyday life, share food, laughter and conversation, and simply enjoy being together as a community.

Sometimes unity begins with something as simple as sitting together at the same table.

A conversation can become a friendship. A friendship can become a support system. A gathering can become the beginning of something much greater.

Our communities become stronger when we make the effort to know one another, to appreciate one another and to stand together. The responsibility for building that unity belongs to all of us.

May this summer gathering be another step towards a stronger, more connected and more compassionate Muslim community in Bermuda, while also contributing to a wider culture of unity, respect and love throughout our island home.

May Allah place love between our hearts, strengthen our bonds and guide us towards becoming the united Ummah He calls us to be.

One Ummah. One God. One Qiblah. One Love.

ALL are invited on Sunday (tomorrow) August 23 to Somerset Long Bay Beach from 1pm to 6pm for our Summer Picnic Fest - Free Food, good company and healthy fun.

See you there!

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