Fruitful Living
Jumma Khutbah: ‘Rights and Responsibilities in Marriage under Islamic and Ghanaian Law’
Praising Allah and Sending Salutations on the Prophet (PBUH):
Alhamdulillah, all praise is due to Allah, the Most Merciful, the All- Wise, Who created us in pairs so we may find tranquility in one another. We send blessings and peace upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who has provided us with the best guidance for our lives, including the sacred institution of marriage.
Introduction
Servants of Allah, today’s khutbah is dedicated to the institution of marriage in Islam Part 2—an institution that goes beyond a mere contract. Marriage is a spiritual union and a path through which we fulfill half of our faith. It fosters unity, provides solace, and builds the foundation for a righteous family and society. The renowned scholars, Sheikh Abdul Aziz Ibn Baz (RA) and Muhammad Ibn Salih al-Uthaymeen (RA), underscore the importance of marriage in Islam, emphasising that it protects one’s faith, upholds moral boundaries, and nurtures family values. As Sheikh Ibn Baz rightly observed, “Marriage is not only a safeguard for one’s soul but also a fortress for the family and society.”
Today, we will explore the rights and responsibilities in marriage, examine the importance of consent, and discuss the role of legal frameworks in Ghana that protect and honor these principles, ensuring that marriage in Islam is truly a pillar of faith.
Islamic Teachings on Spousal Rights: Insights from Surah Al-Baqarah
Servants of Allah, the Qur’an provides comprehensive guidance on the roles and responsibilities of spouses. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (SWT) sets forth principles to create a balanced relationship based on kindness and justice. Allah states:
“And mothers may breastfeed their children two complete years for whoever wishes to complete the nursing [period]. Upon the father is their provision and their clothing according to what is acceptable. No person is charged with more than his capacity…” (Qur’an 2:233).
This verse emphasises that both parents share responsibilities in raising children. While the mother cares for the child through nursing, the father’s role is to provide financial support. This mutual responsibility fosters a supportive family environment where both parents contribute to the child’s well-being.
Moreover, Sheikh Al-Uthaymeen explained that these roles highlight Islam’s balanced approach to family life, assigning each spouse responsibilities that cater to their unique strengths, yet allowing flexibility for circumstances. In the case where either spouse is unable to fulfill their role, mutual support and understanding are encouraged to uphold family harmony.
The Farewell Sermon: The Prophet’s (PBUH) Guidance on Spousal Rights
In the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Farewell Sermon delivered during his last pilgrimage, he spoke about the essential rights and duties of spouses, urging mutual respect and compassion:
“O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under Allah’s trust and with His permission. So, treat them with kindness and respect.”
The Prophet (PBUH) further warned men, saying, “Fear Allah in respect of women, for you have taken them [in marriage] with the trust of Allah.” He reminded that on the Day of Judgment, Allah would hold men accountable for their treatment of their wives. This reminder is profound, highlighting that marriage is a trust from Allah, and mistreatment or neglect of this responsibility will lead to accountability before Allah.
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
