Fruitful Living

Call to Public Institutions in Ghana (Part 3)

Despite these legal protections, Muslim women in Ghana often face challenges when attempting to observe Hijab as modesty and as an act of worship in public institutions such as Universities, Banks, Ministries, public health institutions and government agencies.

This is a violation of their constitutional rights and an infringement on their freedom of worship.

We call upon public institutions in Ghana to:

Respect the constitutional provisions and allow Muslim women to wear the Hijab without fear of discrimination.

Promote inclusivity by ensuring that dress codes accommodate religious attire, including the Hijab.

Educate staff and the public about the importance of religious tolerance and diversity.

As the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “There is no superiority of an Arab over a non-Arab, nor of a non-Arab over an Arab, nor of a white person over a black person, nor of a black person over a white person, except by piety.”

(Musnad Ahmad, 22391).

Rewards of Observing Hijab in Dunya and Akhirah

Observing the Hijab brings immense rewards in both this world and the Hereafter. The Hijab protects women from harm, preserves their dignity, and earns the pleasure of Allah.

In the Hereafter, those who obey Allah’s commands will be rewarded with eternal bliss: “Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds will have gardens beneath which rivers flow. That is the great attainment.” (Quran 85:11).

Summary and Conclusion

Servants of Allah, the Hijab is a divine command, a mark of faith, and a human right protected by Ghana’s Constitution and international law. It is a shield of modesty that protects individuals and society from immorality.

The Quran says: “And whoever fears Allah – He will make for him a way out and will provide for him from where he does not expect.” (Quran 65:2-3).

Servants of Allah, with these cogent submissions on the hijab, the evidence of its benefits cuts across humanity in general. Remember, the religious injunctions emanate from Allah, your Lord.

Therefore, let us work collectively to ensure that the congenial environment is created for Muslim and non-Muslim women alike to cultivate voluntary love for the hijab as part of modesty and are not denied their right to wear hijab in any public institution such as the universities, banks, ministries, public health institutions and government agencies as well as other public and private institutions.

May Allah guide us to uphold His commands and strengthen our faith. Ameen thuma Ameen.

References

• The Noble Quran

• Sahih Bukhari

• Sahih Muslim

• The 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana

• Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), 1948

• Tafsir Ibn Kathir

• Works by contemporary scholars like Sheikh Ibn Baz and Dr Zakir Naik

By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai, the Author

Fruitful Living

Islamic Position on Illicit Drugs (Part 1)

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

All praise belongs to Allah, the Creator of mankind and Sustainer of the universe. We send blessings and salutations upon the noble Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), who was sent as a mercy to all creation, and upon his family, companions, and those who follow his path until the Day of Judgment.

Introduction

Illicit drugs have become a dangerous epidemic threatening our families, institutions, and future generations. Their impact is not only physical or psychological but also spiritual, tearing the fabric of morality, faith, and social cohesion.

Islam, a comprehensive way of life, provides guidance not only for acts of worship but also for health, personal conduct, and societal wellbeing. Addressing the menace of illicit drugs from an Islamic perspective gives us a moral framework and a roadmap for prevention, treatment, and societal healing.

The debate about illicit drugs use has gained significant attention in the public domain, especially following recent events at Keta Senior High School in Ghana. Reports indicate that students engaged in the destruction of school property, an action widely attributed to the influence of illicit drugs. This incident underscores the urgent need to address drug abuse among the youth.

Definition of Illicit Drugs from Literature

Illicit drugs are defined as substances that are either strictly prohibited by law or misused outside of their intended medical purpose. Ray, O. (1978) define illicit drugs as “substances that affect the central nervous system and alter brain functions, causing temporary changes in perception, mood, consciousness, and behavior” (p. 5).

Examples include heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, LSD, tramadol (when abused), and marijuana (in jurisdictions where it remains illegal).

Definition of Illicit Drugs in Islamic Perspective

Is anything that clouds the mind (muskir), causes addiction, or leads to destructive behaviour is forbidden (haram). The Qur’an strictly prohibits intoxicants in multiple verses:

“O you who believe! Intoxicants, gambling, sacrificing to stones, and divination by arrows are an abomination of Satan’s handiwork. Avoid them so that you may be successful.” (Qur’an 5:90)

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) further said:“Every intoxicant is khamr, and every khamr is haram.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2003)And also,“Whatever intoxicates in large quantities, a small quantity of it is also forbidden.” (Sunan AbuDawood, Hadith 3681).

Scholars like Ibn Qayyim and Imam Nawawi emphasised that the objective of Shari’ah is to preserve the intellect (hifz al-‘aql), and that any substance which threatens this must be prohibited.

Modern narcotics fall under the category of khamr not in form, but in effect.

By Imam Saeed Abdulai

Fruitful Living

Rev. Stephen Arthur launches ‘The Journey From Under the Table

Rev. Stephen Arthur showcasing his book ‘The Journey From Under the Table’

Founder and Head Pastor of Kingdom Family International Church in Accra, Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur, has launched a new book titled: ‘The Journey From Under the Table.’

The launch was held last Sunday at the Potter’s Place Temple of Kingdom Family International Church in Accra.

The 143-page book, according to Rev. Arthur, was about one’s journey from his first breath and the rest of a journey towards a particular destination.

He noted that, “the destination often curated by the paths we choose and the decisions we make along the way. ‘The Journey From Under the Table’ is an incredible material that provides in-depth knowledge and understanding of God’s will for believers in the journey we have to take. Using Lazarus and the rich man as its case study (Luke 16:19-31).”

The book brings to life robust biblical lessons and practical principles that would serve as a repository of hope for the believer through every step of their journey.

Using the story of Lazarus as a backdrop, the author provides a clear transition from under the table to the top of it.

He delivers relevant scriptures, life lessons and juxtapositions that promise to hold the reader’s attention from chapter to chapter, while equipping the reader with essential knowledge and skills necessary to journey from obscurity to greatness.

For decades, Rev. Arthur has dedicated himself to the service of God. He is also a pastor, an accountant by training, a prolific author, a relationship and marriage counsellor, and a seasoned preacher who ministers under the apostolic and prophetic grace.

His ministry and publications over the years have been a tremendous blessing to people.

Some of these include The Fountain of Wisdom, Hope on Trial, The Fundamentals of Deep Worship and Prayer, Strategies and Dynamics for Warfare Prayers, The Unlimited and Unquenchable Anointing.

He has about 27 years of experience and insight in the aviation sector.

Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur is an aviation economist and policy expert, and currently, the acting Director-General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme’