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New forms of Islamic marriage in Ghana

In name of Allah, the Most Com­passionate and Merciful!

We praise and salute the Prophet of Islam, our leader and beloved to Allah and to us, Mohammed, Peace and blessings of the Almighty be upon Him and His family and noble compan­ions.

Last week, I presided over a marriage ceremony as the con­ductor as well as the Imam who rendered the Khutba or mar­riage sermon and gave an advice to the couple at the National Mosque of Ghana at Kanda in Accra.

My attention has been drawn to some Muslims professionals, including some scholars and stu­dents of knowledge pouring their criticism and objections over certain practices and activities that took place at the ceremony and its aftermath. Some de­scribed it as foreign and alien to our culture but not unlawful, and others say it is completely haram and not permissible in Islam.

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I have decided to offer my opinion, and an Islamic Fatwa in public without publicly exposing the couple out of our respect to them because the subject mat­ter is becoming a public matter and therefore I pray my opinion would help in settling or at least extinguishing the simmering tension and debate over Islamic laws; traditions and its applica­tion, Insha Allah.

The Holy Quran as the ultimate Guide for all Muslims in every aspect of life permits entertain­ment and merry making when one or group of people rejoice or find a means to be happy.

Say, O Prophet, “In Allah’s grace and mercy let them re­joice. That is far better than whatever wealth they amass.” 10:58.

The only concern is for all the people involved and participat­ing not to include or entertain any form of any of the following:

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1. Alcoholic drinks

2. Consumption of pig

3. Consumption of the meat of dead animal or lawfully permit­ted animal to be consumed but wrongly slaughtered

4. Dancing with a woman or a man in case of a woman who is not lawfully your partner, sister, mother or daughter.

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5. Exposing parts of the body that makes one attractive and sexy

6. The lyrics in the music does not have or contain any immoral words, among other things.

In certain cultures in Ghana and outside Ghana, couples exchange weddings or engage­ment rings before, during or after the wedding and wedding gowns whether white or any colour including holding parties and receptions at hotels or event centres, and the issuance of marriage certificates.

All these are permitted in Is­lam as long as it does not violate or break any law such as kissing in public between the couple, which is also permissible only to some extent, touching the body parts of your partner in a dance or any form, and the superstition that the rings and white gowns bring fortunes or bondage be­tween the couple.

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Ibn Abbas reported: Ayisha gave away one of her relatives in marriage to a man among the Ansar. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, came and said, “Did you send them a girl?” They said yes. The Prophet said, “Did you send someone to sing with her?” She said no. The Prophet said, “Ver­ily, the Ansar are a people who love poetry, so you should send someone along with her to say: Here we come, to you we come, greet us as we greet you.”

Source: Sunan Ibn Mājah 1900

In another narration of this Hadith by Imam Bukhari (RA), the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon actually said: oh Ayisha, was there any entertain­ment in the gathering because the people of Madina love enter­tainment.

I pray to Allah to bestow upon us His wisdom and guide, bless all our efforts and understand­ing of the religion and bless our affairs.

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The writer is a Member of the National Peace Council of Gha­na (NPC) and Chairman of the Greater Accra Regional Peace Council (GARPC). Executive Sec­retary of the Tijjaniya Muslims of Ghana.

By Alhaji Khuzaima Mohammed Osman

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The Prophet part 2

Some young men queing for visas
Some young men queing for visas

“I can see in the spirit, that some of you have been trading for years without seeing any mean­ingful profits, some young women have been disappointed by men who have either abandoned them and left for foreign lands and forgotten about them, or stopped sending money for the upkeep of their wives and children.

I can see young men who are desperate for visas to travel abroad but have either been duped by visa contractors or refused at the embas­sies. From tomorrow, I assure you, the visas will be given.

Young women, I have news for you. You will receive telephone calls, and you will hear very good news. Handsome young men with money in their pockets will come and marry you, and take care of you. Traders, you will get big business and big profits from today. From today, you will see that I am a true prophet who has come to deliver you.”

Shouts of “Amen,” “thank you Prophet” and “I receive it” greeted his sermon. After a final prayer, he asked the congregation to come early the following day, and bring others, because there would be many testimonies.

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There would also be “special anointing” for great miracles. Although he did not ask for an offering, most of the people came and dropped notes, and coins at the “pulpit.” When they left, Antobam counted the money.

“GH¢900!” he almost shouted, ‘and I did not even ask for an offer­ing. This is fantabulous!’ Going to the Nana Kofi Broni shrine, he told himself, was a very wise move.

He started making plans……He had to choose a few assistants who would carry out his orders……. He had to hire some chairs as soon as possible……He had to find a suit­able piece of land and, if possible, build his own church……. He had to start looking for a nice car, befitting the status of a popular preacher …… And, most importantly, he had to select two, three or four nice, young women to take care of his needs, apart from the servants who would cook, wash, iron and do other errands for him.

Abruptly, he told himself, this hungry, scruffy Kukurantumi boy was being transformed into a man of power and money, with some of the most beautiful women in town at his beck and call. Wow!

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After a shower and supper, he shut the door to the very small room that served as his bedroom and dropped on the bed. Almost immediately, the shrill sounds, like whispers, began.

This time he did not express any fears. He realised to his great sur­prise that even though the sounds were not in the form of any lan­guage, he could understand them.

Tomorrow there will be testimo­nies……they will give money……. some rich people are being prepared …….they will bring big money ………. we will give them what they want, and they will bring money ……. big money …….big, big money……the women will also come, a number of them. ‘

He went to sleep smiling and whis­pering to himself, ‘big, big money, and women!’

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He woke up at 5 and took a shower. After a breakfast of tea and several slices of bread he set off. On reaching the venue he saw to his great surprise that the place was full.

Very full, and quite a number of people rushed to embrace him and give him the wonderful news. The excited people narrated the testi­monies about big sales, telephone calls from relatives directing them to go to Western Union, and impo­tent husbands who had miraculously rediscovered their magic powers.

He was truly glad that Nana Kofi Broni’s magic had already started working, but most of his attention was focused on the ladies in the congregation. He noticed to his great delight that some of them were really nice. I must start mak­ing my selection, he told himself. Today!

“Give a mighty clap offering to the great, mighty one for his won­ders among us!” he started, and the response was very big.

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“I said yesterday that you were going to see signs and wonders, and I am very happy that my word has been fulfilled. Even though we have taken allowed one hour for testimo­nies, many more of you would like to testify.

Tomorrow, I promise you that there will be ample time. I will only preach a short sermon. The rest of the time will be taken up by consul­tations, after which I will give direc­tions on what to do to ensure that you defeat your enemies, secure your marriage and, most important­ly, continue increasing your profits in your business.” His sermon was interspersed with ecstatic shouts of “Amen,” “it is true,” “God bless you” and “I receive it.”

His final word was emphatic; “Big miracles are coming your way. Keep attending church, and don’t forget to give thanks to God.”

By Ekow de Heer

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Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship launches project to transform young lives

• Members of the Full Gospel Businness Fellowship
• Members of the Full Gospel Businness Fellowship

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.

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“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.

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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

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