Fruitful Living
Jumma Khutbah: ‘Rights and Responsibilities in Marriage under Islamic and Ghanaian Law’ (Final Part)
Another hadith highlights the Prophet’s disapproval of physical aggression within the family:
“Never hit your wives. They are your partners and sincere helpers” (Musnad Ahmad).
In these sayings, the Prophet (PBUH) reminds Muslims that kindness and gentleness are essential qualities in family relations, reinforcing that abuse has no place in an Islamic marriage.
Legal Protections: The Domestic Violence Act
In Ghana, the Domestic Violence Act, 2007 (Act 732) was enacted to prevent domestic violence, protect victims, and provide legal remedies. This Act defines domestic violence as any form of violence, whether physical, sexual, psychological, or economic, occurring within a domestic relationship.
Section 1 of the Act defines violence broadly, including not only physical assault but also acts that harm a person’s psychological wellbeing. Section 2 emphasizes the right to security in domestic relationships, reinforcing that any form of abuse or violence is unlawful and punishable under Ghanaian law.
Legal Framework in Ghana: The 1992 Constitution and Marriage Ordinances
In Ghana, the 1992 Constitution upholds the right to practice and manifest religious beliefs, including marriage in accordance with one’s faith. Article 26 protects Muslims who wish to marry, register, and dissolve marriages under Sharia law. This constitutional right enables Muslims to observe Islamic principles within their marriages, reflecting both religious and legal protection.
Furthermore, The Mohammedans Ordinance CAP 129 governs Islamic marriages, providing legal grounds for marriage, divorce, and remarriage according to Islamic principles, ensuring that Ghanaian Muslims enjoy rights aligned with both Sharia and national law.
Servants of Allah, take note that Islamic Sunni scholars unanimously emphasised the importance of respecting these protections, noting that compliance with both Islamic and national laws strengthen the legitimacy of marriage and protects Muslim families.
Other Ghanaian Legal Regimes on Marriage
Ghana’s marriage regulations are structured to support stable family environments, ensuring respect, mutual support, and individual rights. The Children’s Act (Act 560 of 1989) outlines parental responsibilities, including providing education, healthcare, and a nurturing environment for children.
Under this Act, parents are legally mandated to create a home where children receive proper care, reflecting Islamic teachings, which advocate for the moral and spiritual upbringing of the next generation. Ghanaian law thus aligns with Islam’s focus on family welfare, emphasising the role of marriage as a secure foundation for children.
The Broader Impact of Marriage in Islam and Society
Marriage in Islam is intended to foster piety, strengthen social bonds, and ensure the moral integrity of future generations. Allah (SWT) commands in the Qur’an:
“O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones…” (Qur’an 66:6).
By adhering to the principles of fairness, compassion, and respect within marriage, Muslims contribute to a strong and ethical society. Sheikh Al-Uthaymeen emphasized that a righteous household reflects in the broader community, promoting values of integrity, honesty, and mutual respect.
Conclusion
Servants of Allah, Islam promotes a household based on mutual respect, love, and kindness. Violence within the family stands in direct opposition to the teachings of Islam and is also prohibited by law. As Muslims, it is our duty to follow the principles of compassion as taught by the Prophet (PBUH) and to uphold the legal protections afforded by society to ensure a safe and harmonious family environment.
To conclude, through the guidance provided by the Qur’an, the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and supportive frameworks like Ghana’s constitution and laws, marriage is recognized as a significant trust from Allah. The Prophet (PBUH) has reminded us of the accountability we hold before Allah, especially regarding how we treat our spouses.
May Allah (SWT) grant us wisdom and patience to fulfill our responsibilities within marriage and allow us to create homes filled with tranquility and righteousness.
References:
• Qur’an, Surah Al-Baqarah (2:228, 2:233)
• Qur’an, Surah At-Tahrim (66:6)
• Bukhari, Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol. 7, Book of Nikah (Marriage), Hadiths 5136, 5138
• Prophet Muhammad’s Farewell Sermon
• Mohammedans Ordinance CAP 129, Ghana
• The Children’s Act, Act 560 (1989), Ghana
• Abdul Aziz Ibn Baz, Fatwas and Statements on Marriage
• Muhammad Ibn Salih al-Uthaymeen, Islamic Rulings on Family and Marriage
By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai – 1BN Michel Camp, Tema
Fruitful Living
Polygamy in Islam (Part 2)
CONDITIONS for Polygamy in Islam
Islamic law sets forth clear conditions that must be met for polygamy to be practiced. These conditions aim to protect the rights and wellbeing of all involved.
Justice among wives: The foremost requirement is that a husband must be able to treat each wife with fairness and justice. Allah (SWT) warns:
“But if you fear that you will not be just, then [marry only] one…” (Qur’an 4:3).
Justice here encompasses equal financial provision, time, and emotional support. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Whoever has two wives and inclines entirely towards one of them, he will come on the Day of Resurrection with half of his body leaning” (Abu Dawud, 2133).
This Hadith underscores the importance of avoiding favouritism, highlighting the weight of responsibility a man assumes in a polygamous marriage.
Financial capability: A husband must possess the means to adequately support each wife. Allah (SWT) states in the Qur’an:
“Men are the protectors and maintainers of women because Allah has made one of them to excel the other and because they spend out of their property…” (Qur’an 4:34).
Financial capability is essential to ensure that all wives and children are properly cared for.
Creating an environment of mutual respect and consent: While not obligatory, it is encouraged for the husband to seek the consent of his first wife before entering into a new marriage. The example of the Prophet (PBUH) shows that he would always be open and communicative, addressing his wives’ concerns and upholding respect among them.
Responsibility of a Husband in a Polygamous Marriage
A husband in a polygamous marriage has immense responsibility, which requires wisdom, patience, and faith.
Providing equal time and resources: Each wife is entitled to equal time, material provision, and attention. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would allocate his time fairly, ensuring that each wife felt valued and respected.
Aisha (RA) narrated that he would seek permission before spending extra time with any wife, even in times of illness, to demonstrate his commitment to fairness.
Upholding good character and compassion: The Prophet (PBUH) emphasised kindness, saying, “The best of you are those who are best to their families” (Tirmidhi, 3895). A husband in a polygamous marriage must strive to uphold this ideal by displaying kindness and understanding toward all his wives.
Example of the Sahaba: The companions of the Prophet (PBUH) also practiced polygamy with compassion and integrity. Many of the Sahaba married multiple wives, ensuring that each of their wives was cared for, both financially and emotionally. Their approach reflected their commitment to fulfilling their responsibilities fairly, following the example of the Prophet (PBUH).
(…To be continued)
By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai, 1BN – Michel Camp
Fruitful Living
Cultivating and maintaining Godly relationships (Part 1)
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”– John 13:34-35 (NIV)
FROM the very beginning, God designed us not to walk through life alone, but to be connected—first to Him, and then to one another. Relationships are the framework of our existence, and the quality of these relationships directly impacts our spiritual, emotional, and even physical wellbeing. But in a world that often distorts the meaning of true connection, we face a challenge: How do we build and maintain relationships that reflect God’s heart?
Today, we will explore the concept of Godly relationships—what they are, why they matter, and how we can cultivate and sustain them in every area of our lives. Whether in friendships, family ties, professional circles, or mentorships, our relationships are meant to be living testimonies of God’s love and grace. As followers of Christ, we are called to live in a way that sets us apart, and one of the clearest ways we can do that is through how we relate to others. Jesus Himself said that it is by our love for one another that the world will know we are His disciples (John 13:35).
WHAT GODLY RELATIONSHIPS MEAN
Godly relationships go beyond surface connections; they are rooted in;
•love,
•service,
•forgiveness,
•and the desire to see others grow in their relationship with God.
Relationships, in all their forms, are central to the human experience. Whether within the family, friendships, work relationships, or romantic partnerships, how we connect with others reveals much about who we are and what we value.
For believers in Christ, relationships are not merely social contracts or exchanges of convenience; they are divine assignments—opportunities to manifest God’s love and character to a world in desperate need of true connection.
Godly relationships are built on;
•Love,
•Trust,
•Integrity,
•and Purpose.
They reflect God’s nature and bring healing, encouragement, and accountability. More importantly, they demonstrate to the world the essence of God’s kingdom, where love, humility, and service to others are paramount. Cultivating and maintaining such relationships is a lifelong endeavour that requires wisdom, patience, and reliance on God’s grace.
The Foundation of Godly Relationships
I want us to dive into several key points that will help us understand what godly relationships look like and how we can nurture them.
1. Godly Relationships Are Founded on Christlike Love
The first and most important point is that Godly relationships are rooted in Christlike love. This is the foundation upon which all other aspects of a relationship are built. When we talk about Christlike love, we refer to the sacrificial, selfless love that Jesus demonstrated. It’s a love that goes beyond emotions and convenience—it is a commitment to care for others even when it’s difficult.
Jesus said in John 13:34- 35, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Christlike love is our testimony to the world. People don’t just see our faith by what we say, but by how we love.
This love is patient, kind, forgiving, and always seeks the good of the other person, as outlined in 1 Corinthians 13.
- By Rev. Dr Joyce Aryee, the author
