Features
New forms of Islamic marriage in Ghana
In name of Allah, the Most Compassionate and Merciful!
We praise and salute the Prophet of Islam, our leader and beloved to Allah and to us, Mohammed, Peace and blessings of the Almighty be upon Him and His family and noble companions.
Last week, I presided over a marriage ceremony as the conductor as well as the Imam who rendered the Khutba or marriage sermon and gave an advice to the couple at the National Mosque of Ghana at Kanda in Accra.
My attention has been drawn to some Muslims professionals, including some scholars and students of knowledge pouring their criticism and objections over certain practices and activities that took place at the ceremony and its aftermath. Some described it as foreign and alien to our culture but not unlawful, and others say it is completely haram and not permissible in Islam.
I have decided to offer my opinion, and an Islamic Fatwa in public without publicly exposing the couple out of our respect to them because the subject matter is becoming a public matter and therefore I pray my opinion would help in settling or at least extinguishing the simmering tension and debate over Islamic laws; traditions and its application, Insha Allah.
The Holy Quran as the ultimate Guide for all Muslims in every aspect of life permits entertainment and merry making when one or group of people rejoice or find a means to be happy.
Say, O Prophet, “In Allah’s grace and mercy let them rejoice. That is far better than whatever wealth they amass.” 10:58.
The only concern is for all the people involved and participating not to include or entertain any form of any of the following:
1. Alcoholic drinks
2. Consumption of pig
3. Consumption of the meat of dead animal or lawfully permitted animal to be consumed but wrongly slaughtered
4. Dancing with a woman or a man in case of a woman who is not lawfully your partner, sister, mother or daughter.
5. Exposing parts of the body that makes one attractive and sexy
6. The lyrics in the music does not have or contain any immoral words, among other things.
In certain cultures in Ghana and outside Ghana, couples exchange weddings or engagement rings before, during or after the wedding and wedding gowns whether white or any colour including holding parties and receptions at hotels or event centres, and the issuance of marriage certificates.
All these are permitted in Islam as long as it does not violate or break any law such as kissing in public between the couple, which is also permissible only to some extent, touching the body parts of your partner in a dance or any form, and the superstition that the rings and white gowns bring fortunes or bondage between the couple.
Ibn Abbas reported: Ayisha gave away one of her relatives in marriage to a man among the Ansar. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, came and said, “Did you send them a girl?” They said yes. The Prophet said, “Did you send someone to sing with her?” She said no. The Prophet said, “Verily, the Ansar are a people who love poetry, so you should send someone along with her to say: Here we come, to you we come, greet us as we greet you.”
Source: Sunan Ibn Mājah 1900
In another narration of this Hadith by Imam Bukhari (RA), the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon actually said: oh Ayisha, was there any entertainment in the gathering because the people of Madina love entertainment.
I pray to Allah to bestow upon us His wisdom and guide, bless all our efforts and understanding of the religion and bless our affairs.
The writer is a Member of the National Peace Council of Ghana (NPC) and Chairman of the Greater Accra Regional Peace Council (GARPC). Executive Secretary of the Tijjaniya Muslims of Ghana.
By Alhaji Khuzaima Mohammed Osman
Features
Emotional distortions: The hidden barriers to mental well-being
Emotional distortions are twisted or irrational thought patterns that can have a profound impact on our mental health and well-being.
These distortions can lead to negative emotions, unhealthy behaviours, and strained relationships.
In this article, we will explore the types, causes, and consequences of emotional distortions, as well as strategies for overcoming them.
Types of Emotional Distortions
1. All-or-Nothing Thinking: Seeing things in absolute terms.
2. Catastrophising: Exaggerating potential consequences.
3. Over generalisation: Making sweeping conclusions based on limited evidence.
4. Mind Reading: Assuming others’ thoughts or intentions.
5. Emotional Reasoning: Believing emotions reflect reality.
6. Should Statements: Imposing unrealistic expectations.
7. Labelling: Assigning negative labels to oneself or others.
8. Personalisation: Taking things too personally.
Causes of emotional distortions
1. Childhood experiences
2. Trauma
3. Stress
4. Social learning
5. Cultural influences
6. Genetic predisposition
Consequences of emotional distortions
1. Anxiety and depression
2. Relationship conflicts
3. Low self-esteem
4. Impaired decision-making
5. Substance abuse
6. Physical health problems
Overcoming emotional distortions
1. Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Identifying and challenging distortions.
2. Mindfulness: Practising self-awareness.
3. Self-Reflection: Examining thought patterns.
4. Journaling: Recording and analysing thoughts.
5. Seeking support: Consulting therapists or support groups.
Strategies for Maintaining Mental Well-being
1. Practice self-compassion.
2. Engage in physical activity.
3. Cultivate social connections.
4. Prioritise sleep and nutrition.
5. Seek professional help when needed.
Conclusion
Emotional distortions can have a profound impact on mental health, but they can be overcome. By recognising and challenging these distortions, individuals can develop healthier thought patterns, improve relationships, and enhance overall well-being.
_References_
– Beck, A. T. (1977). Cognitive Behavior Therapy.
– Burns, D. D. (1999). The Feeling Good Handbook.
– American Psychological Association. (2022). Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
Features
Where are we rushing to?
Sometimes you wonder what is going on especially the period before Christmas, in terms of the road incidents.
Yesterday, heading towards town, on my way to lay a wreath on my late wife’s grave, on the anniversary of her burial, I saw cars ahead of me suddenly indicating that they want to move into the middle lane from the inner lane.
I then saw, as I inched along, the reason for moving into the middle lane. Apparently an Uber vehicle had hit the side of a Mercedes Benz car and they were arguing and trying to sort things out.
It was apparent that the cause of the incident was due to rushing to get ahead of the Benz. A few moments of patience from both drivers could have avoided that incident.
It just does not make sense that you are in so much of a hurry that you could not let reason prevail for one of you to exercise restraint, to allow the other vehicle to pass and now both of you are wasting precious time on the road, the very thing you were trying to avoid in the first place.
There is another aspect that is related to this rushing that has to be addressed. People are no longer willing to show empathy with others, such that for a driver to pause for another driver to pass to join the traffic or to cross to the other lane is becoming non-existent these days.
We seem to be selfish in most cases which then causes drivers to rush to join the traffic after waiting and waiting without any one giving him or her the opportunity to move to join the traffic. I was tempted to be callous by ignoring vehicles that wanted to cross from my right to join the opposite traffic coming from the Ghana Law School entrance toward Tema Station, earlier this week due to the behaviour of some drivers toward me.
However, I remembered that I was a Christian and a higher standard of empathy is required of me, so I paused for them to cross from the exit point of the filling station to join the traffic going in the opposite direction.
I nearly knocked down two people earlier this week due to their lack of safety I suppose or is it a lack of focus on the streets. I think safety education needs to be intensified because of what happened on Monday.
How on earth would anyone attempt to cross a road, in front of a vehicle when a traffic light has just shown green? It really beats my imagination but that was exactly what happened and how I did not kill her, is attributable only to divine intervention.
Shortly before this incident, I had narrowly avoided hitting another person, who also crossed in front of me when I was about to join a main road with traffic coming from my left side so I was focused on my left side.
A vehicle was ahead of me and so was waiting to move as soon as it moves. The vehicle moved and just as I was about to follow, this young lady just showed up at my right fender and again I would say it was only by divine intervention that she escaped either serious injury or even death.
The level of selfish considerations in the country is becoming alarming by the day and it is something that must be addressed. The normal Ghanaian attitude of tolerance towards each other is now gradually vanishing from our society and is very worrying.
People are becoming much more inward looking and if something is not going to benefit him or her, they are just not interested. There are a few people who still do what is right and they should be commended to continue the good works.
My advice to my fellow Ghanaians is that, let us stop this rushing when we are driving especially as Christmas is approaching so we can save ourselves from avoidable incidents. God bless.
By Laud Kissi-Mensah
