Strong family bonds prepare us for life

Instilling family values is so very important and it is a lifelong benefit.  

I had the privilege of speaking with my Uncle Rudy the other day and he gave me some sound advice, which was passed down to him by his dear mother ‘Estina Minors Ford’. 

She told him never to worry ’cause worrying gets you nowhere but rather be concerned and work out the matter.  

In essence, Uncle Rudy’s message is to live well, be concerned and not worry; use your energy to help others as well as yourself. 

I also take this opportunity to extend condolences to you and our family on the loss of our beloved Ena Lee. Aunt Ena loved and cherished her family and wanted nothing more than peace and harmony to flow amongst us. 

In Islam, there are a few basic values, which, if followed, allow mankind to attain a good and moral level of life. 

These values are the ability to perform moral responsibilities such as the protection of life; the provision of food, clothing and shelter; education; the right to earn a living and the right to have a family. 

Basic values

Islam teaches us that a human being cannot live without these basic values. 

For a successful life and for harmony to flow within the family and extend into the country, all stakeholders must be involved. 

We must all work together for peace and harmony.

Family is all about living, learning and loving. We need to live in peace and harmony with family members, as this teaches and prepares us for the outer world. 

The family is where all social-emotional characteristics are shaped. Family is the nucleus of society. 

Allah asks us not to break off the ties of kinship, we may be vexed or displeased with family members, but remember that we are trials to one another. 

So we must tolerate and love one another no matter what and remember what Allah commands us to do: “Be careful of (your duty to) Allah, by Whom you demand one of another (your rights), and (to) the ties of relationship; surely Allah ever watches over you.” (Surah an-Nisa,1)

Allah further states: “And those who join that which Allah has commanded to be joined (ie they are good to their relatives and do not sever the bond of kinship), and fear their Lord, and dread the terrible reckoning (ie abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which Allah has forbidden and perform all kinds of good deeds which Allah has ordained).” (Surah ar-Rad, 21)

 Bermuda, let’s heed the words of Allah and be bestowed his promise of success:  “So give to the kinsman his due, and to the needy, and to the wayfarer. That is best for those who seek Allah’s Countenance. And such are they who are successful.” (Surah al-Rum, 37-38) 

Let’s treat each other, family and friends, well –– and success will follow. Ameen. n