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The soil has been richly tilled these past few weeks in Bermuda; we have lost two prominent sons of the soil in a matter of days by way of Nelson Bascome and Julian Hall.

I say the soil has been tilled, as tilling allows cultivation and renewal. These two illustrious stars and sons of the soil contributed and benefitted Bermuda much during their short lifetimes, but returning to their Lord (which is what all of us will do at our appointed times) will not stop their contributions; such an impact they both have made.

Nelson and Julian have cultivated the soil by so allowing the growth of new crops in the way of our future generations, they have set the pace and we as Bermudian parents, educators, politicians and elders must ensure that the efforts and contributions of our beloved Nelson and Julian must not have been in vain, we must allow our young people to, as Julian's beloved grandmother, Mother Mary Phillips (whom I loved with all my heart and whom was the best friend of my Granny Stubbs) would say "March forth" to become all that they can become.

We Bermudians must remember the words of Winston Churchill, "Continuous effort, not strength or intelligence is the key to unlocking our potential." We must instill in our young that they have potential to soar, not because of intellect or strength, but by being a child of the Creator and a member of the human family and calling on God to help us persevere and march forth.

We had this example and proof in the likes of our beloved the Honourable Nelson B. A. Bascome, JP, MP, and our beloved Julian E. S. P. Hall. We have a duty to teach our children the creed and words of Julian "I was brought up with a sense that if I was going to have a destiny, it might as well be a destiny to lead. Anything short of that is no destiny at all." The potential of leadership is in everyone.

Condolences

To the families of both our beloved sons of the soil, please accept on behalf of the Muslim community, our heartfelt condolences and our prayers that God the Almighty will give you solace and strength now and forever more. Ameen.

This week we will celebrate Emancipation Day (first day of Cup Match) and Somer's Day (celebrating Bermuda's founder and the second day of Cupmatch). Last year I was all fired up for these holidays, but because of the recent passing of our beloved sons of the soil, I'm a bit subdued.

It's so easy to fall into a state of depression or despair; however, I know that we should fight hard against allowing these emotions to get the best of us, as Allah admonishes despair. Hence, I will read my Quran, the noble book which I derive my guidance and strength and I will take a deep breath, exhale and march forth. I think of the slaves and how they did not let despair get the best of them and how a compassionate God blessed their steadfastness and faith by allowing freedom to ring.

We should never despair of the Mercy of Allah (Surah al Zumar39, verse 53). Allah goes on to say in Surah al-Baqarah 2, verses 152-157 "Then do ye remember Me; I will remember You. Be grateful to Me, and reject not Faith. Ye who believe! Seek help with patient perseverance and prayer: for God is with those who patiently persevere. And say not of those who are slain in the way of God: "They are dead". Nay, they are living, Though ye perceive (it) not. Be sure we shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil), but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere, who say, when afflicted with calamity: "To God we belong, and to Him is our return": They are those on whom (descend) blessings from God, and mercy, and they are the ones that receive guidance)."

Again Allah reminds us "who listens to the (soul) distressed when it calls on Him, and who relieves its suffering?" (Surah al-Naml, 27, verse 62) Indeed, Allah's promise is true and He alone, through our faith in Him, will lead us out of despair into triumph and victory!

Out of despair

It is only faith in Allah that will take us out of the darkness of despair into the light. I am reminded of the words of a song by Yusuf Islam (formerly Cat Stevens) "How great the beauty of the Earth and the creatures who dwell on her, How great -- then how great the creator? But like the sun sets with the call to prayer and surrenders to the night here too are signs that God is the light, God is the light everlasting!"

Have a safe and happy Cup Match, as I reiterate Amir Saleem Talbot as he reminded us last week from the radio air waves of 'Islam in Focus' to be ever mindful over the Cup Match holidays to keep the remembrance of Allah at the forefront of all our actions. Ameen.

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