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
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
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’
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