Fruitful Living
10 things to stop taking for granted after the pandemic (part one)
Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and He guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for mankind. – Psalm 107:28-31
INTRODUCTION
When you’re in the middle of a storm, it’s hard to imagine that it could ever end. When the thunder is crashing and the lightning is flashing, we start to think the storm is there to stay. We see the storm as all-consuming and frightening. Logically, we know that at some point, the sun will peek from behind the dark clouds, the air will clear, and the water will dry up. But convincing our emotions and fears to listen to logic is often a losing battle.
When we’re parenting prodigals, nervously eyeing our dwindling bank accounts, taking care of aging parents, or going through a health battle—the storm can seem never-ending.
COVID-19 pandemic has felt the same. Worry, anxiety, and concern abound over all the what-if’s and unknowns. I don’t know about you but I have struggled with the illogical questions of “what if this never ends? What if we’re stuck in our houses forever?” But, like every storm, COVID 19 pandemic will eventually pass. There might be lingering damage in its wake, but the waters will recede. Our country’s “new normal” might look a little different than it did before the pandemic, but there will be a new normal. Life will resume.
The question becomes—
- Will we be ready?
- Will we forget the lessons learned during this pandemic?
- Will we go right back to complaining about the heat of the sun and forget about the torrents of rain that just ended?
- Or will we have a heart that’s permanently grateful, focused on thanksgiving, and ever counting your blessings?
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)
HERE ARE 10 THINGS TO STOP TAKING FOR GRANTED AFTER THE PANDEMIC.
1. CHURCH
The Bible is clear in its command to meet with other believers on a regular basis.
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” – Hebrews 10:23-25 (ESV).
The church needs each other. Many churches were able to meet via online sessions during the pandemic, while others had drive-up services where each family stayed in their car. While the church itself isn’t a brick-and-mortar building, there’s something very beneficial in meeting together, in person, in a building on a weekly basis. When the pandemic is over, let us be sure not to take for granted the blessing of fellowshipping together in church.
2. THE LORD’S PRESENCE
When people are going through hard times, the presence of the Lord is stronger than ever in their lives. Typically, this is due to the pressing need and lack of distractions. When we truly feel our need for the Lord, idols fade to the background. Our need for Christ is the same every day, but in times of trial, it weighs heavier on the heart.
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18 (ESV)
After the pandemic, let us be sure not to let the Lord’s nearness and our need for Him fade. Let us keep that in the forefront through praise and prayer.
3. SOCIAL LIFE
One thing I know I’ll never take for granted again is the ability to go and socialize with others, outside of the house. Eating inside a restaurant, leisurely strolling through the street and enjoying a crowded concert or watching football at the stadium will never be the same again. Hopefully, we’ll all be grateful in new ways for these old joys and simple pleasures.
4. PHYSICAL CONTACT
Physical affection is a legitimate need for many. Having to refrain from handshakes, high fives, and hugs has been difficult for me and I am sure for a lot of people. When the pandemic is over, let us be careful not to take for granted the freedom to give and receive affection.
“Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.” – 2 Corinthians 13:11-12 (ESV)
5. EXTENDED FAMILY AND FRIENDS
The pandemic has separated many families. With the government-issued direction to avoid other households, many extended family members have not been able to communicate in person—especially those at high risk. When the danger of the pandemic subsides, let us remember how eager we were to see our family and friends, and let us make the most of it.
Features
Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship launches project to transform young lives
The Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship International (FGBMFI) Ghana has launched the Senior High Schools and Colleges Project (SCP) aimed at empowering and transforming the lives of young people.
Speaking at the launch, Professor Mike Ocquaye, the former Speaker of Parliament, emphasised the need to catch them young and train them as the current times were challenging.
He lauded the project, calling on all to support it, saying “In fact, it’s very important to catch them young, train them, lead them, guide them, and mentor them because the times are indeed rough,” Prof. Ocquaye said.
Mr Ekow Egyir Dadson, the Director, Schools and Colleges Directorate, stated that since its inception in 2018, the SCP had reached over 70 educational institutions with countless testimonies of transformation.
“We began with the Presbyterian Boys Secondary School (PRESEC) Legon, and now in 2024, we have visited 74 schools and impacted the lives of over 100,000 students, some of whom were personally mentored and now have graduated from the universities.”
He explained that the SCP, a vision by FGBMFI Ghana, was a bold outreach programme designed to call young people to Christ, train and equip them for the future.
He cited testimony-sharing, mentorship, career guidance, entrepreneurship and counseling as some of the unique approaches to be used in reaching out to the targeted students.
Mr Emmanuel Baba Mahama, the National President of the FGBMFI Ghana, launched the SCP Manual, which would help the FGBMFI Zonal Family Chapters across Ghana in order to adopt schools and colleges within their catchment areas.
The Schools and Colleges project is making a great impact; we have had first-hand testimonies from school heads, teachers, and students (mentees) about the SCP. This project has come to stay, Mr Baba Mahama assured.
He, therefore, called for more volunteers and partners to help the SCP shape the next generation of leaders and citizens.
Findings by the FGBMFI revealed that Ghana’s senior high schools, colleges, and university students face growing challenges like addictions, indiscipline, poor academic performance, pornography, homosexuality, broken homes, and a lack of godly guidance.
That had been a concern to many parents and society, “but the FGBMFI believes there is hope to rescue and restore these young students,” Mr Mahama said. –GNA
Features
Divorce in Islam
In another instance, the Prophet (PBUH) recommended arbitration and family intervention in cases of marital disputes.
“If you fear dissension between the two, send an arbitrator from his family and an arbitrator from her family. If they both desire reconciliation, Allah will cause it between them” (Qur’an 4:35).
This Quranic text emphasises the importance of seeking reconciliation through family and community support.
Conditions and Rules of Divorce in Islam
Islam sets forth conditions and rules to ensure that divorce is handled responsibly:
Clear Intention: The decision to divorce must be made with a clear mind and sincere intention, free from anger or impulsivity.
The Waiting Period (Iddah): After pronouncing divorce, the wife must observe an iddah period, during which the husband can take her back if both agree. The iddah period is three menstrual cycles for a non-pregnant woman or until childbirth if she is pregnant.
Revocable and Irrevocable Divorce:
Revocable Divorce (Talaq-e-Raj’i): The husband can take back his wife within the iddah period if reconciliation is achieved.
Irrevocable Divorce (Talaq-e-Ba’in): After the third talaq, the divorce is final, and reconciliation is only possible through a new marriage contract if both agree.
Respect and Dignity: Islam commands respect and fairness during divorce proceedings, ensuring that both parties maintain dignity. Allah (SWT) advises:
“And live with them in kindness. For if you dislike them—perhaps you dislike a thing and Allah makes therein much good” (Qur’an 4:19).
This verse encourages respect, even if differences arise.
Rights to Seek Divorce by the Husband or Wife
Islam grants both spouses the right to seek divorce, although their procedures differ.
Rights of the Husband (Talaq): A husband has the right to initiate talaq, following Islamic procedures. He must observe fairness, fulfill his wife’s rights, and provide any outstanding mahr or iddah maintenance.
Rights of the Wife (Khula): A wife can seek divorce through khula, which involves returning part or all of her mahr to end the marriage. The Prophet (PBUH) permitted khula for the wife of Thabit ibn Qays (RA) when she requested separation.
“Then if you fear that they will not be able to keep [within] the limits of Allah, then there is no blame upon either of them concerning that by which she ransoms herself” (Qur’an 2:229).
Reasons for a divorce by both parties
In order to divorce a wife, a husband may not necessarily have to give a reason. However, in the case of a woman, she may initiate a Khula (Separation) for three reasons; her husband’s in ability to consummate the marriage, his failure to provide for her upkeep, and if the woman was married as a child or without her consent she can repudiate her husband when she reaches puberty (Mucai-Kattambo et al. 1995). In addition a woman can apply for a khula if she persistently faces domestic violent.
Divorce Under Legal Regimes: The Mohammedan Ordinance CAP 129
In Ghana, the Mohammedan Ordinance CAP 129 regulates Islamic marriages and divorces. It provides a formal legal framework for Muslims to marry, divorce, and remarry in line with Sharia principles. This ensures that divorce proceedings, rights, and responsibilities are recognized by law, protecting both parties’ rights according to Islamic teachings.
Remedies for a Wrongful Divorce
Reconciliation: Islam encourages reconciliation if a divorce was issued hastily. The Prophet (PBUH) often advised families to mediate, promoting forgiveness and mutual understanding.
Financial and Social Support: If a husband neglects his wife’s rights upon divorce, she can claim compensation, unpaid mahr, and iddah maintenance. Islam emphasises justice and fairness for divorced women to ensure they are not left destitute.
Community Support: The Muslim community is encouraged to provide support for divorced individuals, allowing them to reintegrate with dignity and support, upholding Islamic principles of compassion.
EFFECTS OF DIVORCE ON CHILDREN
One significant concern is the impact of divorce on children. Patel et al. (2008) in “The Harm of Talaq” note that children from broken homes face higher risks of emotional distress, academic challenges, and social instability. Parents must consider these effects when making decisions, ensuring the wellbeing of their children.
More precisely, children from broken homes are more likely to have poorer health; to do worse in madrassas and schools; less likely to attend the massajid; become hufaz and Islamic scholars; more likely to commit crime, to smoke and take drugs; to be unemployed and to die earlier than children who live with married parents. By divorcing parents have let loose a vicious cycle. Their children are more likely to repeat the cycle of unstable parenting which they had experienced and suffered (Patel et al., 2008).
In conclusion, divorce in Islam is a compassionate solution, regulated to ensure justice and respect. While it is permitted, it is only to be used as a last resort, with the utmost care and fairness. Islam emphasizes kindness, patience, and thoughtful reconciliation to resolve marital issues before resorting to divorce.
May Allah (SWT) guide us to act with wisdom and justice in our relationships and protect our families with love and mercy. Ameen.
References:
• Qur’an, Surah Al-Baqarah (2:229, 2:230, 2:231, 2:232, 2:236, 2:237), Surah An-Nisa (4:19, 4:35), Surah At-Talaq (65:4)
• Hadith from Sunan Abu Dawud (2178), Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim
• Mohammedan Ordinance CAP 129
• Patel, A. A. et al., 2008), Blessings of Marriage (Harm of Talaq {Divorce), Page 278.
By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai – 1BN Michel Camp, Tema
