Fruitful Living
‘Disrespect for authority, the elderly un-Ghanaian’
The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has described as un-Ghanaian the politics of insults, abuse and disrespect in the nation’s body politic.
In a collective pastoral letter issued on August 10, 2020, the bishops said the practice was not only “un-Ghanaian and uncultured”, but also “inhibits the free flow of diverse perspectives, rich ideas and opinions that are critically needed for nation-building and solving the complex socio-political problems facing our society today”.
The four-page letter headlined: “Politics for Nation Building and Social Cohesion in Ghana” was signed by Most Rev. Philip Naameh, Archbishop of Tamale and President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
The bishops, therefore, called on political actors and communicators to remain civil when canvassing for their respective political parties and personalities.
“Closely related to this culture of insults and disrespect towards authority is a growing phenomenon of disregard and disrespect for the elderly in our society,” the statement noted.
The Ghanaian culture, the bishops stressed, was built on courtesies for the elderly, hence the need to continue offering them assistance and showing concern for their well-being.
The bishops also registered their displeasure at the gruesome murder of the 90-year-old woman who was accused of witchcraft, and called for severe punishment for the perpetrators of the inhumane practice.
Fruitful Living
Rev. Stephen Arthur launches ‘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’
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
