On Monday, Bermuda will pause to observe Labour Day — a day to recognise, appreciate and honour the men and women whose labour keeps our island moving.

Labour Day has its roots in the international labour movement of the late 19th century, when workers campaigned for fair wages, improved working conditions and shorter working hours. In Bermuda, the journey towards an official Labour Day was part of a much longer struggle by the labour movement for workers’ rights and dignity. In 1981, legislation was introduced to establish the holiday, and Labour Day was formally celebrated in Bermuda for the first time in 1982.

But beyond the history and the holiday lies a deeper lesson about the dignity of work — one that resonates strongly with Islamic teachings.

Islam does not regard honest work as inferior to religious devotion. Earning a lawful livelihood, supporting one’s family and contributing positively to society can itself be an act of worship when accompanied by sincere intention.

There is a well-known account concerning Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA). He noticed a man spending his time in the mosque devoted to worship and asked who provided for him. When told that his brother supported him, Umar replied, in essence, that the brother was better than him because he was the one working and providing.

The lesson is profound: devotion to Allah does not mean abandoning our responsibilities towards others. Serving people and fulfilling our obligations are also forms of righteousness.

The Koran reminds us: “And that there is not for man except that [good] for which he strives.” (53:39). And Allah says: “Do [as you will], for Allah will see your deeds.” (9:105).

Every honest occupation has value. The teacher educating our children, the nurse caring for the sick, the bus operator transporting passengers, the construction worker building our homes, the cleaner maintaining our public spaces, the farmer producing food, the electrician keeping our lights on, the hospitality worker welcoming visitors, the mechanic keeping vehicles moving and the office worker ensuring essential services function — all contribute to Bermuda's wellbeing.

A successful society cannot be built by one profession alone. The labour force is the backbone of society, and every occupation is a valuable link in the chain.

If I have plumbing issues, I want a plumber and not a doctor or lawyer; I want what is appropriate and valuable to the matter at hand. All occupations should be valued and respected — they are all needed.

This Labour Day, let us therefore look beyond titles, salaries and social status. Let us recognise the dignity of honest work and remember that behind every functioning hospital, school, business, road, restaurant, home and public service are people who show up, work hard and contribute.

To every worker in Bermuda — whether your work is highly visible or rarely noticed — thank you. Your hands, skills, knowledge, sacrifices and perseverance matter.

And perhaps that is what Labour Day should ultimately remind us: Bermuda does not run on buildings, businesses or institutions alone. It runs on people.

It runs on the hands that build, the minds that teach, the hearts that care, the backs that carry, the skills that repair, the voices that serve and the countless people who quietly do their part each day.

So, to the early-morning worker leaving home before the sun rises, to the person cleaning long after others have gone home, to the caregiver, teacher, fisherman, farmer, driver, tradesperson, nurse, entrepreneur, civil servant, hospitality worker and every person earning an honest living — this day belongs to you.

Your work has dignity. Your contribution has value. Your sacrifice is seen.

It was our unity and hard work that rebuilt the devastation Hurricane Fabian left 23 years ago. And today, we are still standing strong — moving from strength to strength, together, just as Allah commands in the Koran 3:103:

“And hold firmly together to the rope of Allah and do not be divided. Remember Allah’s favour upon you when you were enemies, then He united your hearts, so you — by His grace — became brothers. And you were at the brink of a fiery pit and He saved you from it. This is how Allah makes His revelations clear to you, so that you may be rightly guided.”

Our journey, our resilience, and our unity are living examples of this ayah — a reminder that Allah’s help descends when hearts come together, and His guidance strengthens every step we take as one community.

Allah has given us an entire Surah on the ant and an entire Surah on the bee so that we may learn from their work ethic and the fruits of their labour.

The bee’s work is presented as a creative, divinely‑guided service that brings healing and benefit to the world, while the ant’s work is honoured as the highest example of discipline, teamwork, and community protection. Together, they show us that sincere effort — whether gentle like the bee or organised like the ant — becomes a form of worship when done with purpose, unity, and responsibility.

We don't simply celebrate work. We celebrate the people behind the work — the people whose hands, hearts and determination help build, sustain and strengthen our beloved island home.

We salute and honour the hands and hearts that keep Bermuda moving.

“May Allah bless the workers of Bermuda, reward every honest effort, grant workers dignity and fair treatment, and bless our island with prosperity, compassion and unity. Ameen ”

Happy Labour Day, Bermuda.

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