Fruitful Living
Qur’an: A Book of Guidance beyond Ramadan (Pt.2)
The Structure of the Qur’an
The Qur’an consists of 114 chapters (Surahs), classified into Makkan and Madinan chapters:
•86 Makkan Surahs – Revealed in Makkah before migration, primarily focusing on faith, monotheism, and the Hereafter.
•28 Madinan Surahs – Revealed in Madinah, covering laws, governance, and societal justice.
Each chapter contains divine instructions, addressing spiritual, moral, and legal matters.
The Qur’an itself testifies about its revelation:
“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion…” (Qur’an 2:185).
The first revelation occurred in the Cave of Hira, where Prophet Muhammad was commanded:
“Read in the name of your Lord who created—Created man from a clinging substance. Read, and your Lord is the Most Generous—Who taught by the pen—taught man that which he knew not” (Qur’an 96:1-5).
This event marked the beginning of divine communication between Allah and His final messenger.
The Quran as a book of Justice and Morality
“Indeed, Allah commands you to act with justice, to do good, and to give to relatives, and He forbids immorality, bad conduct, and oppression. He admonishes you so that you may take heed.” (Qur’an 16:90)
This text is often recited in Friday sermons (Khutbah) as a reminder to believers about the core values of Islam: justice, kindness, family ties, and avoidance of immorality and wrongdoing. It serves as a comprehensive command for ethical and moral behavior in both personal and societal affairs.
The Quran Commands Modesty in Dress code
“O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.” (Qur’an 33:59)
Explanation of the Verse:
This verse was revealed as a directive for Muslim women to wear the jilbab—a long, loose-fitting outer garment— that covers their bodies when they go out in public.
Allah commands the Prophet to instruct his wives, daughters, and all believing women to adopt a modest dress code to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments) instructs Muslim women to cover themselves in a way that distinguishes them as modest and chaste women.
That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. This means that modest dress helps identify believing women as respectable and pious, preventing harassment or harm from ill-intentioned people.
Allah’s Mercy in the Command
The verse ends with (And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful), showing that Allah’s commands are for the protection and honor of women, and those who struggle with observing them can seek His forgiveness and guidance.
The Qur’an as a Guide for All of Humanity
The Qur’an is not restricted to any race, nationality, or social class. It is a universal book meant to guide all of humanity—men and women, the rich and the poor, Arabs and non-Arabs. Allah says:
“And We have certainly made the Qur’an easy for remembrance, so is there any who will remember?” (Qur’an 54:17).
“And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.” (Qur’an 21:107).
This means that no one is excluded from the mercy of the Qur’an. It is a guide for the lost, a source of hope for the despairing, and a moral code for all societies.
* The writer is the Metropolitan Chief Imam of Kpone Katamanso
By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai – 1 BN Michel Camp, Tema
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
