Fruitful Living
World Vision Ghana donates handwashing facilities to West Gonja Municipal Assembly

World Vision Ghana, a non-governmental organisation operating in the West Gonja Municipality, has presented 50 handwashing facilities to the West Gonja Municipal Assembly to help combat the spread of the COVID-19.
Mr. Felix Apeti, the Savelugu Cluster Manager of World Vision, presenting the items to the said the organization was committed to promoting handwashing in the communities.
He appealed to the assembly to release its water tankers to supply water to residents, adding that the organization would absorb the transportation cost.
The Municipal Chief Executive for the West Gonja Municipal Assembly, Mr Saeed Jibril Muhazu praised World Vision Ghana for the continuous support the municipality had been receiving.
He urged residents of the municipality to follow safety protocols to help control the spread of the disease in the region, adding that the items would reach all beneficiaries.
Fruitful Living
Khutba for the blessed month of Ramadan
Alhamdulillahi Rabbil Aalameen. We begin this Khutba by extolling the greatness of Allah (SWT), the Lord of the worlds, and thanking Him for His infinite blessings upon us. We praise Him for His mercy and guidance, for allowing us to witness another Ramadan—a sacred month unlike any other.
We send peace and blessings upon His noble messenger, Prophet Muhammad (SAW), the Seal of the Prophets, his family, his companions, and all those who follow his guidance until the Day of Resurrection.
May Allah make us steadfast in following the Sunnah of the beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
The Blessed Month of Ramadan
Dear brothers and sisters in Islam, we are on the brink of welcoming Ramadan, a month that Allah (SWT) has uniquely blessed for the Ummah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Hijri calendar, a month that Allah has made sacred by filling it with mercy, forgiveness, and rewards for those who engage in acts of worship.
Importantly, Ramadan is the month in which the Holy Qur’an, the ultimate guidance for humanity, was revealed.
Allah (SWT) says in Surah Al-Baqarah: “The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:185).
This verse establishes the connection between the Qur’an and Ramadan, reminding us that fasting is not only an act of worship but also an opportunity to reflect upon the guidance of the Qur’an and implement its teachings in our lives.
Additionally, in Surah Ad- Dukhan, Allah (SWT) highlights the significance of the Qur’an’s revelation during a blessed night:
“Indeed, we sent it [the Qur’an] down during a blessed night. Indeed, we were to warn [mankind].
On that night is made distinct every precise matter— [every] matter [proceeding] from us. Indeed, we were to send [a messenger]” (Surah Ad-Dukhan, 44:3–5).
This ‘blessed night’ is Laylatul Qadr, a night that is better than a thousand months. It is a night when Allah, in His infinite wisdom, decrees the destiny of all creation.
This connection between Ramadan, the Qur’an, and Laylatul Qadr underscores the profound spiritual significance of this sacred month.
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) also emphasized the link between fasting and the Qur’an, saying: “Fasting and the Qur’an will intercede for a servant on the Day of Judgment. Fasting will say, ‘O my Lord, I prevented him from food and drink during the day, so let me intercede for him.’
And the Qur’an will say, ‘I prevented him from sleeping at night, so let me intercede for him.’ And they will both intercede” (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith 6626).
The Obligation of Fasting in Ramadan
Fasting in Ramadan is a divine obligation, a duty decreed by Allah upon all Muslims who have reached maturity, are of sound mind, and are physically able. Allah (SWT) says: “O you who have believed, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may attain Taqwa” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:183).
The goal of fasting, as indicated in this verse, is to cultivate Taqwa—a state of heightened awareness of Allah, leading to greater obedience and righteousness.
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:
“Whoever fasts during the month of Ramadan out of faith and seeking its reward, all his past sins will be forgiven” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 30, Hadith 1901).
This Hadith further emphasises the spiritual benefits of fasting, encouraging Muslims to engage in this act of worship with sincerity and hope for Allah’s forgiveness. (To be continued)
The author is the Metropolitan Chief Imam of the Kpone Katamanso Metropolis
Email: chiefimaamkponekatamanso@gmail.com
By Imam Alhaji Saeed
Abdulai,
Fruitful Living
How can I learn to trust that God is in control?
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Introduction
LIFE often presents uncertainties, challenges, and moments of deep frustration that leave us questioning if anyone is truly in control. As believers, we are called to trust in the sovereignty of God, but what does that really mean? How can we confidently rest in the assurance that God governs all things? Before we can fully embrace this truth, we must answer critical questions: Is God truly sovereign? How much control does He actually have? If He is not in complete control, then who or what is? Most importantly, how can we grow in our trust that He orchestrates everything for His divine purpose? By exploring these questions through the lens of Scripture, we will gain a deeper understanding of God’s supreme authority and find peace in His unshakable rule over all of life’s circumstances.
Is God Really in Control?
The concept of God’s control over everything is known as His sovereignty. Nothing gives us greater strength and confidence than understanding this divine truth. God’s sovereignty means His complete and independent authority over every creature, event, and circumstance at every moment in history. Subject to none, influenced by none, absolutely independent, God does what He pleases, only as He pleases, and always as He pleases. He governs every molecule in the universe, and everything that happens is either caused or allowed by Him for His own perfect purposes.
Isaiah 14:24 affirms this: “The LORD of hosts has sworn, saying, ‘Surely, as I have thought, so it shall come to pass, and as I have purposed, so it shall stand.’”
Nothing in life is random or by chance, especially in the lives of believers. God has deliberately resolved to do what He will, and nothing and no one can stand in His way. Isaiah 46:10 further declares, “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.” This is our powerful and purposeful God who is in control of everything. Recognizing this truth should bring us great comfort and alleviate our fears.
To be continued……
- By Rev. Dr Joyce
Aryee, the author