As the long summer days draw to a close and families begin preparing for another school year, the familiar rhythm begins again. School uniforms are purchased, books and stationery gathered, timetables arranged, and children prepare to return to pre-school, primary, secondary school, college or further education. Yet, as we prepare our children or ourselves for another year of learning, perhaps we should pause and ask: What exactly are we educating our children or ourselves for?

Education is one of the most powerful tools available to humanity. It can transform minds, open doors, challenge ignorance and change the direction of a person's life.

But education should not be limited to preparing us to earn a living in this world. From an Islamic perspective, education should also prepare us to live responsibly, develop good character and ultimately prepare for the life to come.

The very first revelation given to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) began with the command: “Read!” (Koran 96:1).

On reflecting on this strong and direct command at the beginning of the Prophet's mission reminds us that seeking knowledge is deeply rooted in Islam. The Koran repeatedly encourages reflection, understanding and learning.

Islam encourages us to seek knowledge throughout our lives; recommending that we seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave — indicating learning is for all ages ― one is never too young or too old to learn.

Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) said: “Seeking knowledge is a duty upon every Muslim.”

Further, the Hadith advises that gaining knowledge is a continuous reward: “When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: ceaseless charity, a knowledge which is beneficial or a virtuous descendant who prays for him.” Sahih Muslim

This pursuit of knowledge encompasses what benefits us in our worldly lives such as science, mathematics, medicine, technology, languages, trades and the arts, but it must also include spiritual knowledge.

Our children need to understand not only how the world works, but why they are in it. They need knowledge of Allah (God), faith, morality, responsibility, compassion, honesty and accountability.

Without balance, education can produce knowledgeable people who lack wisdom, achievement without character, and success without purpose; which unfortunately we see all too often.

Balanced education develops the whole person — the mind, the heart and the soul.

Few stories demonstrate the transformative power of education more dramatically than that of El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz (formerly Malcolm X).

While imprisoned, he embarked upon an extraordinary journey of self reflection and self-education; he was truly a seeker of knowledge.

He read extensively thereby expanding his knowledge. Education helped transform his understanding of himself, society and the world around him.

His life became a powerful example of how knowledge can change the trajectory of a human being.

He famously said: “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”

Those words remain particularly relevant as another school year begins. Education is preparation ― not merely for examinations or employment, but for life itself.

For Muslims, however, the concept of the future extends beyond tomorrow. We believe there is an eternal future: the Hereafter. Therefore, our preparation must encompass both worlds.

As parents, educators, grandparents and students, let us encourage a thirst for knowledge that goes beyond grades and qualifications.

Let us educate our children to become capable professionals, but also compassionate human beings; critical thinkers, but also to become people of faith; successful citizens, and most importantly to become servants of Allah.

The new school year is not simply the beginning of another academic journey.

It is another opportunity to transform lives through knowledge and to prepare not only for the future we cannot yet see, but for the eternal future that awaits us all.

As we enter the new school year, we pray for the success of students, parents, teachers, educators and all those involved in the pursuit of education ― both for ourselves and for those entrusted to our care.

May Allah bless their efforts, grant them beneficial knowledge, wisdom and understanding, and make their education a means of success in this life and the Hereafter. Ameen.

Bermuda have a blessed 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