Fruitful Living
Five ways God guides you (final)
2. Commanding Scripture
Be extremely careful to avoid any situation in which ministry is being used for personal gain. Jesus sees people who are trying to make money off the back of spiritual activity. He confronts the activity with the word of God. He says, ‘It’s written in Scripture, My house is a house of prayer; You have turned it into a religious bazaar’ (19:46, MSG). Jesus’ understanding of the will of God came from studying the Scriptures very carefully. This is the supreme way in which God guides us all.
3. Compelling Spirit
When Jesus is questioned about His authority He challenges the ‘religious police’ with a question about John’s authority. Jesus is suggesting that John received his authority ‘from heaven’, that is, from God Himself. The clear implication is that Jesus’ own authority also came ‘from heaven’. It came from His close relationship with God. Even His opponents recognised ‘the truth’ in Jesus’ teaching. Jesus was not willing to curry favour or to show partiality. He was guided by what He knew to be the truth. He spoke the truth fearlessly.
Jesus challenges the premise behind their question: to what earthly power should we give our primary allegiance? The key issue, He explains, is whether we give God the primary allegiance we owe Him – whether we count ourselves as citizens of His kingdom before any earthly one. We should ‘give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s’. They were astonished by Jesus’ answer and became silent.
Luke tells us that Jesus was ‘led by the Spirit’ (Luke 4:1). Presumably it was the Holy Spirit who gave Jesus His answer. As Jesus walked in this close relationship with God, studying the Scriptures and teaching the truth, the Holy Spirit (‘the Spirit of truth’, John 15:26) prompted Him with words of extraordinary wisdom.
Prayer: Father, help me to follow the example of Jesus, to stay close to you and to hear your voice as I read the Bible and seek to be led by the Spirit.
- Example of guidance – Deuteronomy 31:30-32:52
As Moses comes to the end of his life he reflects on the way that God has guided his people throughout his life, and has been their rock. He is your rock. He is solid, stable, dependable, always the same and totally reliable; He does not have His ‘ups’ and ‘downs’ as we do. You can trust in his unwavering faithfulness. He will always be there for you.
God is not only ‘the rock’, He is also ‘your Father’.
Moses described how God guided and led His people (Israel) with a father’s love: ‘In a desert land he found him, in a barren and howling waste. He shielded him and cared for him; He guarded him as the apple of His eye, like an eagle that stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, that spreads its wings to catch them and carries them on its pinions. The Lord alone led him’. – Deuteronomy 32:10-12
4. Circumstantial Signs
He goes on to describe how God, in His providence, looked after His people. He ‘fed him… nourished him with honey… oil… curds and milk… lambs and goats… the finest grains of wheat… the foaming blood of the grape’ – Deuteronomy 32:14. These were the providential signs of His presence with them on the road.
However, God’s people, here described as ‘Jeshurun’ (meaning ‘the upright one’, that is, Israel), ‘abandoned the God who made [Jeshurun] and rejected the Rock His Saviour’. It was this rejection that led to God saying, ‘I will hide my face from them’.
Sometimes, it is sin that prevents us from hearing God’s voice. Sin can lead to disaster. Now we have a remedy in the death and resurrection of Jesus: ‘the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin… If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness’ (1 John 1:7, 9).
5. Common Sense
When we fall, as we all do, the sensible thing is to get up quickly. Part of guidance generally is doing the sensible thing. This was Moses’ complaint: ‘They are a nation without sense, there is no discernment in them. If only they were wise and would understand this and discern what their end will be!’ (Deuteronomy 32:28–29). God made us thinking beings. He guides your mind as you walk in a close relationship with Him. Avoid a super-spirituality that expects an inward voice to guide every little detail of your life.
Moses returned at the end of his song to the word of God, ‘Take to heart all these words to which I give witness today and urgently command your children to put them into practice, every single word of this Revelation. Yes. This is no small matter for you; it’s your life’ (Deuteronomy 32:46–47, MSG).
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the way that you have led me through all these different ways at different times. Thank you that you have had compassion on me. Help me to take to heart all the words you have spoken and to obey them carefully. Help me to reach my destination.
Fruitful Living
HAJJ: The 5th pillar of Islam, a sacred journey to the House of Allah An elevated call to faith, sacrifice, spiritual renewal (Part 1)
ALL praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all creation, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate. We glorify Him, seek His guidance, and ask for His forgiveness. We send peace and abundant blessings upon the noble Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), his family, his companions, and all those who follow his guidance until the Day of Judgment.
Introduction: A journey beyond space and time
Hajj is not merely a ritual—it is a divine invitation to spiritual rebirth. It is a journey that transcends physical movement and penetrates the depths of the soul. From every corner of the world, millions respond to the timeless call of Allah, gathering in Makkah in a powerful demonstration of unity, humility, and submission.
Clothed in simple garments, stripped of worldly distinctions, pilgrims stand equal before their Creator—an awe-inspiring reminder of the Day of Resurrection when all humanity will stand before Allah.
Hajj within the framework of the five pillars of Islam
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
“Islam is built upon five: the testimony that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, establishment of prayer, payment of Zakat, fasting in Ramadan, and pilgrimage to the House for whoever is able to find a way.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, 8; Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, 16)
Hajj is therefore not optional—it is a defining pillar of the Islamic faith for those who possess the means.
Qur’anic foundations of Hajj
Allah says:
“And [mention] when We showed Ibrahim the site of the House…” (Qur’an 22:26)
“And proclaim to the people the Hajj…” (Qur’an 22:27)
“And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House…” (Qur’an 3:97)
These verses establish the divine origin, universal call, and obligatory nature of Hajj.
Who is qualified to perform Hajj?
Hajj is obligatory upon a Muslim who is:
• Of sound faith, maturity, and sanity
• Physically capable
• Financially able
• Able to travel safely
• For women, accompanied by a Mahram (according to the majority opinion)
Financing Hajj: A matter of purity
The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:
“Indeed, Allah is pure and accepts only what is pure.” (Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, 1015)
Hajj must be financed with halal earnings. Sponsoring others is highly rewarded, while performing Hajj on behalf of the deceased or incapacitated is permissible.
The sacred timing of Hajj
Hajj is observed in the month of Dhul-Hijjah, from the 8th to the 13th, with the Day of Arafah (9th) being the climax of the pilgrimage.
Preparation includes repentance, sincerity, settling debts, seeking forgiveness, acquiring knowledge of rituals, and ensuring physical and financial readiness. Hajj begins with the purification of the heart.
Pillars of Hajj (Arkān al-Hajj)
• Ihram
• Standing at Arafah
• Tawaf al-Ifadah
• Sa’i
These are indispensable acts that validate the Hajj.
The rituals of Hajj (Manāsik): A living legacy
The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:
“Take your (Hajj) rituals from me.” (Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, 1297)
Hajj rituals—from Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, Arafah, Muzdalifah, Mina, stoning of Jamarat, sacrifice, and farewell Tawaf—are deeply symbolic acts rooted in the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S). They embody submission, sacrifice, patience, and unwavering obedience to Allah.
Prohibitions during Hajj: Preserving sanctity
Allah says:
“There is no sexual relations, no disobedience, and no disputing during Hajj.” (Qur’an 2:197)
Prohibitions include marital relations, use of perfume, cutting hair, arguments, and sinful behavior. These restrictions discipline the soul and elevate spiritual consciousness.
Author’s profile
Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai
Kpone Katamanso Metropolitan Chief Imam
Governance Expert and Islamic Scholar
Imam Saeed Abdulai is a distinguished Islamic scholar and community leader known for his impactful teachings on faith, governance, and societal development. He actively contributes to religious education and public discourse in Ghana and beyond.
References
• The Noble Qur’an (2:197, 3:97, 22:26–27)
• Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī
• Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim
• Sunan al-Tirmidhi
• Ibn Kathir, Tafsir al-Qur’an al-‘Azim
• Imam al-Nawawi, Sharh Sahih Muslim
By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai, Kpone Katamanso Municipal Chief Imam, Certified Counsellor and Governance Expert
Fruitful Living
HAJJ: The 5th pillar of Islam, a sacred journey to the House of Allah: An elevated call to faith, sacrifice, spiritual renewal (Part 1)
ALL praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all creation, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate. We glorify Him, seek His guidance, and ask for His forgiveness. We send peace and abundant blessings upon the noble Prophet Muhammad pbuh, his family, his companions, and all those who follow his guidance until the Day of Judgment.
Introduction: A journey beyond space and time
Hajj is not merely a ritual—it is a divine invitation to spiritual rebirth. It is a journey that transcends physical movement and penetrates the depths of the soul. From every corner of the world, millions respond to the timeless call of Allah, gathering in Makkah in a powerful demonstration of unity, humility, and submission.
Clothed in simple garments, stripped of worldly distinctions, pilgrims stand equal before their Creator—an awe-inspiring reminder of the Day of Resurrection when all humanity will stand before Allah.
Hajj within the framework of the five pillars of Islam
The Messenger of Allah, Peace Be upon Him said:
“Islam is built upon five: the testimony that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, establishment of prayer, payment of Zakat, fasting in Ramadan, and pilgrimage to the House for whoever is able to find a way.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, 8; Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, 16)
Hajj is therefore not optional—it is a defining pillar of the Islamic faith for those who possess the means.
Qur’anic foundations of Hajj
Allah says:
“And [mention] when We showed Ibrahim the site of the House…” (Qur’an 22:26)
“And proclaim to the people the Hajj…” (Qur’an 22:27)
“And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House…” (Qur’an 3:97)
These verses establish the divine origin, universal call, and obligatory nature of Hajj.
Who is qualified to perform Hajj?
Hajj is obligatory upon a Muslim who is:
• Of sound faith, maturity, and sanity
• Physically capable
• Financially able
• Able to travel safely
• For women, accompanied by a Mahram (according to the majority opinion)
Financing Hajj: A matter of purity
The Prophet Mohammed pbuh said:
“Indeed, Allah is pure and accepts only what is pure.” (Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, 1015)
Hajj must be financed with halal earnings. Sponsoring others is highly rewarded, while performing Hajj on behalf of the deceased or incapacitated is permissible.
The sacred timing of Hajj
Hajj is observed in the month of Dhul-Hijjah, from the 8th to the 13th, with the Day of Arafah (9th) being the climax of the pilgrimage.
Preparation includes repentance, sincerity, settling debts, seeking forgiveness, acquiring knowledge of rituals, and ensuring physical and financial readiness. Hajj begins with the purification of the heart.
Pillars of Hajj (Arkān al-Hajj)
• Ihram
• Standing at Arafah
• Tawaf al-Ifadah
• Sa’i
These are indispensable acts that validate the Hajj.
The rituals of Hajj (Manāsik): A living legacy
The Prophet Mohammed pbuh said:
“Take your (Hajj) rituals from me.” (Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, 1297)
Hajj rituals—from Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, Arafah, Muzdalifah, Mina, stoning of Jamarat, sacrifice, and farewell Tawaf—are deeply symbolic acts rooted in the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S). They embody submission, sacrifice, patience, and unwavering obedience to Allah.
Prohibitions during Hajj: Preserving sanctity
Allah says:
“There is no sexual relations, no disobedience, and no disputing during Hajj.” (Qur’an 2:197)
Prohibitions include marital relations, use of perfume, cutting hair, arguments, and sinful behavior. These restrictions discipline the soul and elevate spiritual consciousness.
Author’s profile
Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai
Kpone Katamanso Metropolitan Chief Imam
Governance Expert and Islamic Scholar
Imam Saeed Abdulai is a distinguished Islamic scholar and community leader known for his impactful teachings on faith, governance, and societal development. He actively contributes to religious education and public discourse in Ghana and beyond.
References
• The Noble Qur’an (2:197, 3:97, 22:26–27)
• Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī
• Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim
• Sunan al-Tirmidhi
• Ibn Kathir, Tafsir al-Qur’an al-‘Azim
• Imam al-Nawawi, Sharh Sahih Muslim
By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai, Kpone
