There is no doubt that our responsibility to government is to obey the laws and be good citizens (Romans 13:1–2). God has established all authority, and He does so for our benefit, “to commend those who do right” (1 Peter 2:13–15). Paul tells us in Romans 13:1–8 that it is the government’s responsibility to rule in authority over us—hopefully for our good—to collect taxes, and to keep the peace. Where we have a voice and can elect our leaders, we should exer­cise that right by voting for those who best demonstrate Christian principles.

One of Satan’s grandest decep­tions is that we can rest our hope for cultural morality and godly living in politicians and governmental officials. A nation’s hope for change is not to be found in any country’s ruling class. The church has made a mistake if it thinks that it is the job of politicians to defend, to advance, and to guard biblical truths and Christian values.

The church’s unique, God-given pur­pose does not lie in political activism. Nowhere in Scripture do we have the directive to spend our energy, our time, or our money in governmental affairs. Our mission lies not in chang­ing the nation through political re­form, but in changing hearts through the Word of God. When believers think the growth and influence of Christ can somehow be allied with government policy, they corrupt the mission of the church. Our Christian mandate is to spread the gospel of Christ and to preach against the sins of our time. Only as the hearts of individuals in a culture are changed by Christ will the culture begin to reflect that change.

Believers throughout the ages have lived, and even flourished, under antagonistic, repressive, pagan gov­ernments. This was especially true of the first-century believers who, under merciless political regimes, sustained their faith under immense cultural stress. They understood that it was they, not their governments, who were the light of the world and the salt of the earth. They adhered to Paul’s teaching to obey their gov­erning authorities, even to honour, respect, and pray for them (Romans 13:1-8). More importantly, they un­derstood that, as believers, their hope resided in the protection that only God supplies. The same holds true for us today. When we follow the teach­ings of the Scriptures, we become the light of the world as God has intended for us to be (Matthew 5:16).

Political entities are not the sav­iour of the world. The salvation for all mankind has been manifested in Jesus Christ. God knew that our world needed saving long before any nation­al government was ever founded. He demonstrated to the world that re­demption could not be accomplished through the power of man, economic strength, military might, or politics. Peace of mind, contentment, hope, and joy—and the salvation of man­kind—are provided only through Jesus’ death and resurrection.

CONCLUSION

Political systems may influence society, but they are not the solu­tion to the world’s deepest needs. As Christians, our hope lies not in polit­ical agendas but in the life-changing power of the gospel. Our mission is to be the light of the world, shin­ing Christ’s love and truth in ev­ery area of life, including our civic duties. By focusing on the gospel and changing hearts through God’s Word, we carry out our divine calling. True transformation and salvation come only through Jesus Christ, and it is through Him that lasting change will impact our world.

Stay Blessed!

Please continue to join us on Asem­pa 94.7 FM – Sundays 5.30 am., Sunny 88.7 FM – Tuesdays 5:30 am; and YFM 107.9 – Sundays 6.30am; for our Radio Bible Study as well as Sunny FM 88.7 FM every Sunday at 3:30 pm. for Hymns and their Stories.

By Rev. Dr Joyce Aryee, the author

 Sheikh Ibn Baz, reflecting on this sermon, explained that the Proph­et’s words are not only a reminder but a command to respect, honour, and support one’s spouse as an act of worship. Such values ensure that mar­riages in Islam are grounded in mutual love, responsibility, and care.

The Right of the Bride to Consent in Marriage (Sahih Al-Bukhari)

Consent in marriage is a fundamen­tal right granted by Islam, making it clear that a marriage is only valid if the bride consents freely. Sahih Al- Bukhari documents that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated.

“A previously married woman has more right to herself than her guard­ian; and a virgin should also be asked for her consent, and her silence indi­cate her consent” (Bukhari, 5136).

If a marriage is conducted without the bride’s consent, Islam allows for annulment, as narrated by the Proph­et (PBUH): “If a woman is married without her consent, her marriage is invalid” (Bukhari, 5138). This protec­tion ensures that the decision to marry is made willingly, preventing any coercion.

According to Sheikh Al-Uthaymeen, this hadith underscores Islam’s com­mitment to personal choice and the respect of individual rights, which are vital for a harmonious marriage.

Actions That Can Lead to the An­nulment of Marriage

In Islamic jurisprudence, specific actions result in an automatic annul­ment, prioritising the sanctity of mar­riage. Grounds for annulment include:

• Apostasy: If either spouse leaves Islam, the marital bond is annulled, as shared faith is central to the Islamic marriage contract.

• Abuse or Neglect of Marital Obliga­tions: Islam permits annulment when one spouse persistently fails to meet their responsibilities, financially or emotionally, thereby violating the marital contract.

• Harmful Practices: Any form of harm or abuse inflicted within marriage is unacceptable in Islam, and such cases provide grounds for annulment to protect the injured spouse.

These grounds reflect Islam’s em­phasis on mutual respect and fair treatment, ensuring that the mar­riage remains a source of comfort and security.

Domestic Violence in Islam and Legal Frameworks

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is defined as any form of abusive behaviour, including physical, emotional, psychological, and economic harm, exerted to con­trol or harm an intimate partner or family member. It disrupts the peace and security that marriage and family are intended to provide, threatening the well-being of all involved, espe­cially the vulnerable.

Islam’s Stance on Domestic Vio­lence

Islam strongly condemns all forms of oppression, including violence within the family. Marriage in Islam is found­ed upon rahmah (mercy) and mawadd­ah (love), as highlighted in the Qur’an:

“And among His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy…” (Qur’an 30:21).

Violence contradicts these core principles of compassion and tranquili­ty in marriage. The Qur’an specifically advises against causing harm, even when dealing with family matters. Allah (SWT) says:

“And live with them in kindness. For if you dislike them—perhaps you dislike a thing and Allah makes therein much good” (Qur’an 4:19).

This verse emphasises that Muslims should treat their spouses with respect and kindness, even in challenging times, and avoid harm.

The Prophet’s (PBUH) Teachings on Domestic Violence

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) strongly discouraged any form of violence towards family members. He said: “The best of you are those who are best to their wives, and I am the best among you to my family” (Sunan Ibn Majah, 1977). (To be continued).

By Imam Abdulai, the Author