Consequences on lack of knowl­edge about Hijab can cause Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD)

 Lack of knowledge about the use of Hijab and its role in promoting modesty can contrib­ute significantly to immoral behaviour in societies, which in turn increases the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

In Islamic teachings, the Hijab is not only a piece of clothing but a broader concept of modesty, dignity and moral conduct.

When society underestimates the value of modesty in behaviour, dress and interactions, it can lead to per­missiveness in relationships, unsafe sexual practice, and other behaviours that increase the risk of STDs.

Peer Pressure and Western Influ­ence in Urban Areas

In Urban centres like Accra and Ku­masi, younger generations are often influenced by Western media and fashion trends that promote revealing clothing and casual attitudes towards relationships.

This cultural shift, coupled with inadequate education about Islam­ic principles like the hijab’s role in promoting modesty, can lead to high incidence of promiscuity.

For instance, young women and men engaging in risky sexual be­haviour without understanding the consequences often do so under the influence of societal trends. This increase exposure to sexually trans­mitted diseases like HIV/AIDS, which remains a public health issue in Ghana.

Misinterpretation of Freedom and Modernity

In higher educational institutions, some students perceive wearing the hijab as outdated or limiting their freedom. This lack of knowledge about the hijab’s significance can lead to adopting lifestyles that priori­tize fashion over modesty.

For example, a university student might choose to attend social gather­ings where alcohol and casual sexual encounters are common, driven by peer pressure and a desire to fit in.

Without the grounding principles of modesty and chastity, the chances of unprotected and reckless sexual ac­tivity rise, contributing to the spread of diseases like gonorrhea or syphilis.

Both scenarios highlight how a lack of knowledge about the hijab’s deep­er values can lead to behaviors that put individuals and society at risk.

While the hijab alone does not guarantee moral behavior, its prin­ciples, when understood and em­braced, can foster a culture of self-respect and responsibility that mitigates the spread of STDs.

Education on these values, coupled with awareness of sexual health, is critical for addressing this challenge in society. Casual relationships con­tribute to the spread of STDs, which harm both individuals and communi­ties.

Fundamental Human Rights: Reli­gious Freedom

Ghana, like many democratic nations, guarantees the right to freedom of religion. Article 21(1) ( c ) of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana explicitly states: “All persons shall have the right to freedom to practice any religion and to manifest such practice.”

This provision protects every citi­zen’s right to practice their religion, including the wearing of Hijab, with­out discrimination or intimidation.

Similarly, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) 1948, Article 18, asserts:

“Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship, and observance.”

These legal provisions recognise Hijab as part of the manifestation of Islam and affirm that Muslim women have the right to wear Hijab in public institutions

By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai, the Author

 DEAR READER,

AS Palm Sunday dawns upon us once again, we are drawn into the majesty, and meaning of the final days of Jesus’ earthly journey. While the image of Jesus riding triumphantly into Jerusalem on a colt is often the central focus— glorious and significant though it is— today, we invite you to step into the Gospel of Luke’s profound account of these events.

Luke’s narrative not only recounts Jesus’ entry into the city but also draws us into the heartbeat of His mission: a journey not merely to a city but to the very cross where love would be poured out without measure.

Let us take a walk with Luke and look afresh at the approach, the purpose, and the passion of Christ our Lord.

The Triumphal Approach to Jeru­salem: Luke 19:28-40

After Jesus said this, He went on in front of them toward Jerusalem. As He came near Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, He sent two disciples ahead with these instructions: “Go to the village there ahead of you; as you go in, you will find a colt tied up that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If someone asks you why you are untying it, tell him that the Master needs it.” They went on their way and found everything just as Jesus had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying it?” “The Master needs it,” they answered, and they took the colt to Jesus.

Then they threw their cloaks over the animal and helped Jesus get on. As He rode on, people spread their cloaks on the road. When He came near Jerusalem, at the place where the road went down the Mount of Olives, the large crowd of His disci­ples began to thank God and praise Him in loud voices for all the great things that they had seen:

“God bless the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory to God!” Then some of the Pharisees in the crowd spoke to Jesus. “Teacher,” they said, “command your disciples to be quiet!” Jesus answered, “I tell you that if they keep quiet, the stones themselves will start shouting.” – (Good News)

Let us now continue with why Christ died. The hymn writer, Henry Francis Lyte (1793 – 1847) puts it so appropriately in one of his hymns.

“PRAISE, my soul, the King of heaven, To His feet thy tribute bring;

Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven, Who like thee His praise should sing?

Praise Him! Praise Him! Praise the everlasting King.” – MHB 12: Stanza 1

And it is true Christ died that we would be delivered from bondage of sin – “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” – Rom. 6:23 (NIV). Christ died to Ransom us, Heal us, Restore us and Forgive us.

As you enjoy this article, please commit yourself again to the Lord Jesus Christ whom to known is “Eternal Life.” Let Him ride into the “Jerusalem of your heart.” Weep over your sins and cleanse your heart which is the temple of the Holy Spirit from all that does not please our Holy, loving God.

WHY CHRIST DIED

When God first created mankind, He intended that an intimate rela­tionship should exist between the Creator and His creatures. But the first man and woman chose to dis­obey God and, therefore, forfeited the privilege of this close friendship with God. Moreover, through their disobedience, sin made its entry into the world: ‘Sin came into the world through one man.’ – Romans 5:12

By Rev. Dr Joyce Aryee, the author