Welcome Muslim faith as part of our community

Who are the Muslims? This is a question that really needs answering, and needs to be answered correctly and accurately.  

Many of my fellow Bermudians are still mystified by the presence of Muslims in Bermuda and globally.

From St George’s to Sandys, every family has a relative that is Muslim; we are your children, sisters, brothers, cousins, friends, but there still lies a mystery about who Muslims are and what they believe.

Oneness

Firstly, we are religious people believing in the Oneness of God, the Creator of the Universe. That is our first tenet –– we absolutely believe in God. 

We believe in the Quran, which is the word of God; the last word of God.

We believe in God’s messenger, Prophet Muhammad, who is the last prophet and the Quran walking, meaning his actions depict God’s words. 

Muslims’ main belief is Tawhid, which translates to mean the oneness of God, meaning that He, God, is one and there is no god but He, as stated in the shahadah, which is the declaration of faith that all Muslims must declare. 

The shahadah, which means witness, declares that we believe that: “There is no god but God and Muhammad is His prophet.” 

Tawhid further refers to the nature of that God –– that he is a unity, not composed, not made up of parts, but simple and uncompounded and whole, showing and asserting oneness. 

No partner has God and no intercessory is needed to act on His behalf. Muslims pray directly to God as only He is our Protector and only He is the Giver; the Sustainer; and these are the attributes of God of which there are 99.

We find in Sura 2:255-257  of the Quran: “God! There is no god but He –– The Living, The Self-subsisting. Eternal. No slumber can seize Him nor sleep. His are all things in the heavens and on earth. Who is there that can intercede in His presence except as He permitteth? He knoweth what is before or after or behind them. Nor shall they encompath aught of His knowledge except as He willeth. His Throne doth extend over the heavens and the earth, and He feel-eth no fatigue in guarding and preserving them for He is The Most High, The Supreme.

“Let there be no compulsion in religion. Truth stands out clear from error: whoever rejects Evil and believes in God hath grasped the most trustworthy handhold, that never breaks. 

“And God heareth and knoweth all things.

“God is the Protector of those who have faith; from the depth of darkness He will lead them forth into light. 

“Of those who reject faith, the patrons are the Evil Ones; from light they will lead them forth into the depths of darkness. 

“They will be Companions of the fire, to dwell therein forever.”

And surely, Allah’s word is true! 

Peace to you, Bermuda, as we embrace each other, so that we may get to know each other to enable us to live together in unity. Ameen. n