Fruitful Living
The Sermon on The Mount (Part III)
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” Jesus warned as He began His public ministry in Galilee” – Matt. 4:17. “His message quickly spread, and huge crowds came to hear Him from Galilee, from nearby Syria and the Decapolis, and from as far away as Jerusalem, Judea, and east of the Jordan River” – Matt.4:24-25
INTRODUCTION
We publish this week, part three of Christ’s Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7 where Jesus teaches a large group of potential followers what it really means to follow Him and be a part of God’s kingdom. The sermon as we have already intimated, contains a powerful and practical revelation of the principles and standards by which God expects Christians to live. Living up to these standards is only possible through faith in Jesus, the Son of God.
FASTING
“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. – Matthew 6:16-18
LAY UP TREASURES IN HEAVEN
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. – Matt. 6:19-24
DO NOT BE ANXIOUS
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore, do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. – Matt. 6:25-34
JUDGING OTHERS
“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. “Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you. – Matt. 7:1-6
ASK, AND IT WILL BE GIVEN
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! – Matt. 7:7-11
THE GOLDEN RULE
“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy[q] that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. – Matt. 7:12-14
A TREE AND ITS FRUIT
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. – Matt. 7:15-20
I NEVER KNEW YOU
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ – Matt. 7:21-23
BUILD YOUR HOUSE ON THE ROCK
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” – Matt. 7:24-27
THE AUTHORITY OF JESUS
And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.
THE WORD OF GOD!
Stay blessed!
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By Dr. Joyce Aryee, the author
Fruitful Living
Institution of Marriage in Islam (Pt.3)
Regarding sexual intimacy, it is also prohibited for a wife to demand money or gifts before allowing her husband to engage in sexual relations. Islam views this as a form of exploitation and sin. A marital relationship must be based on mutual love, respect, and affection rather than material gain.
Prohibition of sexual intercourse during menstruation
Islam has clear guidelines regarding sexual relations during certain times, particularly when a woman is menstruating. The Qur’an prohibits sexual intercourse during menstruation, stating:
“And they ask you about menstruation. Say: ‘It is harm, so keep away from women during menstruation. And do not approach them until they are pure. And when they have purified themselves, then come to them from where Allah has ordained for you. Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves’” (Qur’an 2:222).
This verse emphasises the importance of refraining from sexual activity during menstruation due to physical and spiritual reasons. However, all other forms of affection and companionship are allowed, and husbands should continue to care for their wives during this time with love and respect.
Islamic law encourages cleanliness and personal hygiene, especially in matters related to physical intimacy. After the menstruation period ends, it is recommended that the wife perform ghusl (ritual purification) before resuming sexual relations with her husband.
Rights of Children on Parents
Islam emphasises the rights of children on their parents, as marriage is the foundation of family life. Parents are obligated to provide their children with proper care, education, and moral guidance. The Qur’an states: “O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones…” (Qur’an 66:6).
This highlights the parents’ responsibility to raise their children with a strong sense of morality and faith. Children have the right to a good name, religious upbringing, and education, and they must be treated with fairness and love.
In Ghana’s law, there is Children’s Right Act, Act 560 (1989) which states among other things,
• Section 4, Right to Name, Nationality and secure a Birth Certificate for the child
• Section 6(3) (a&b), protection from neglect, provide good guidance, care etc
• Section 8(1&2), Right to education and wellbeing (medical care, diet, clothing, shelter).
How Do Married Couples Resolve Their Differences in Islam?
Islam provides clear guidelines for resolving marital conflicts in a just and compassionate manner.
The Qur’an instructs that in the event of marital discord, both parties should seek reconciliation:
“If you fear dissension between the two, send an arbitrator from his people and an arbitrator from her people. If they both desire reconciliation, Allah will cause it between them” (Qur’an 4:35).
The goal is always to preserve the marriage and restore harmony. If reconciliation is not possible, Islam permits divorce as a last resort, but it is considered the most disliked permissible act in the eyes of Allah (SWT).
Rewards of Marriage in Islam
Marriage in Islam is not only a social institution but also an act of worship that brings great rewards. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “When a man marries, he has fulfilled half of his religion, so let him fear Allah regarding the remaining half” (Bayhaqi, Shu’ab al-Iman).
Married couples are rewarded for fulfilling their marital responsibilities, showing kindness to each other, and raising righteous children who contribute positively to society.
Scholarly Thoughts About Marriage in Islam
Islamic scholars, such as Imam Al-Ghazali, have discussed marriage as a means of controlling desires and fulfilling one’s spiritual obligations. Modern scholars like Sheikh Yusuf Qaradawi also stress the importance of mutual respect and understanding in marriage, ensuring that both partners can grow spiritually and emotionally within the marriage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, marriage in Islam is a divinely ordained relationship based on mutual love, respect, and responsibility. By following the guidance of the Qur’an and Sunnah, and observing the legal frameworks in place, such as Ghana’s Mohammedan Ordinance, we can establish strong and harmonious marriages that contribute to the moral and spiritual development of society. May Allah (SWT) guide us to fulfill our marital responsibilities with sincerity and love.
The Writer is Kpone Katamanso Municipal Chief Imam, Democracy and Governance Law Student, UCC, Member of Ghana National Association of Certified Counsellors Certified by Ghana Psychology Council
References:
1.Qur’an, Surah Ar-Rum (30:21)
2.Qur’an, Surah An-Nisa (4:34, 4:4, 4:19, 4:35)
3.Qur’an, Surah Al-Baqarah (2:187, 2:221, 2:222, 2:223)
4.Qur’an, Surah At-Tahrim (66:6)
5.Ibn Majah, Hadith 1845, 1905
6.Tirmidhi, Hadith 1162, 1084
7.Bukhari, Hadith 5090
8.Children’s Right Act, Act 560 (1989)
9.Bayhaqi, Shu’ab al-Iman
10.Al-Ghazali, Ihya Ulum al-Din
11.Qaradawi, The Lawful and Prohibited in Islam
Fruitful Living
Adansi North DCE marks birthday on Farmers’ Day
It was a momentous day for the Adansi North District Chief Executive, Eric Kwaku Kusi, last Friday November 8, as the 40th National Farmers Day district level celebration held here at Adansi Adokwai coincidentally fell on his birthday.
On a low-key, Mr Kusi momentarily took to the floor, to exhibit his dancing skills responding to cheers of “Happy Birthday to you” from the audience, to which he also responded with a gesture of thanks and praises to God, as he stepped out to address the gathering.
He was joined on the dancing floor by the assembly members singing praises to God for the life of their indefatigable DCE.
In his address, Mr Kusi commended farmers in the Adansi North and the country as a whole “who tirelessly cultivate the land to feed all of us in our communities.”
He said the government realising the important role agriculture played in the economy and the challenges facing farmers due to the effects of climate change was rolling out initiatives and policies to support climate-resilient agriculture, including agriculture insurance programme for farmers.
In all 16 farmers were awarded various prizes for their contribution to food sufficiency in the country.
Francis Appiah, 41, who hails from Adokwai was adjudged the District Best Farmer for 2024, and took home a tricycle and other assorted items. The first runner-up prize went to Sakyi Kwabena also from Adokwai and the second runner-up went to Kwame Gyamera from Dompoase.
From Alhaji Salifu Abdul-Rahaman, Adansi Adokwai
