Fruitful Living
Hifz al-‘Aql (Protection of Intellect) (Part 2)
Islam seeks to protect the human mind because the intellect distinguishes human beings from other creatures.
Allah repeatedly commands: “Will you not then use your reason?” (Repeated throughout the Qur’an)
This objective requires:
• Quality education
• Literacy
• Critical thinking
• Professional development
• Protection from drugs and intoxicants
The growing menace of narcotics, alcohol abuse, cyber fraud, and gambling among some youth threatens the intellect and future of our communities.
Linking the Maqāṣid Shari’ah to the social issues confronting us
Everything we discuss today falls under one or more of these higher objectives:
Contemporary Issue Relevant Maqṣad
Sanitation Protection of Life
Immunization Protection of Life
HPV Vaccination Protection of Life
Child Protection Protection of Lineage
Birth Registration Protection of Lineage
NHIS Registration Protection of Life and Wealth
Ghana Card Acquisition Protection of Wealth and Rights
Passport Processing Protection of Wealth and Welfare
Education Protection of Intellect
Anti-Drug Campaigns Protection of Intellect
Family Stability Protection of Religion and Lineage
Therefore, by participating in these initiatives, Muslims are not merely complying with government policies; they are fulfilling the higher objectives of the Shari’ah and serving the interests of humanity.
The Muslim who protects life, preserves intellect, safeguards family, secures wealth and strengthens religion is actively implementing Islam in its most comprehensive form.
May Allah enable us to uphold the Maqāṣid al-Sharī’ah in our personal lives, our families, our communities and our nation.
Equipping the Muslim Ummah to Address Contemporary Social Issues – The Practical Approach.
We begin by remembering Allah’s guidance: “Whoever saves a life, it is as if he had saved all of humanity”. This high value on preserving life underscores our duty to promote health and welfare in the community. The Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) also said, “The best of people are those who are most beneficial to others.” As Jum‘ah Imams and community leaders, we must therefore guide our Ummah in practical social matters, not only spiritual ones. Today at 1BN Michel Camp, Tema, we focus on concrete steps—rooted in Islam and Ghana’s laws—that protect our families and strengthen society.
Health and Sanitation
Islam places great emphasis on cleanliness and public health. The Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) said, “Cleanliness is half of faith”, showing that personal and environmental hygiene is part of our
Iman. This means keeping homes, mosques and streets clean to prevent disease. Ghana’s Public Health Act (2012, Act 851) likewise mandates sanitation and disease control. For example, the Act
provides for proper waste disposal, clean water and safe food (Part V on Environmental Sanitation). By fulfilling both the religious injunction and the law, we protect our children and neighbors from illnesses like cholera or typhoid. Good sanitation enables children to attend school and parents to work, improving everyone’s livelihood. In Islam, taking care of one’s health is a trust; we should “tie our camel and then trust in Allah” by taking practical steps (clean water,
vaccinations) while relying on Allah’s help.
Child Protection and Immunization
Islam condemns harming children in any way. Allah warns us: “Do not kill your children for fear of poverty… We provide for them and for you”. This verse forbids infanticide and emphasizes
Allah’s provision. The Children’s Act 1998 (Act 560) in Ghana similarly enshrines a child’s rights – for example, the right to a name and nationality, and to education and well-being. As Muslims,
we must care for orphans and vulnerable children. The Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) promised: “Iand the one who looks after an orphan will be like this in Paradise,” indicating great reward.
Practical protection includes immunizing children against preventable diseases. Ghana’s health authorities run national immunization programs (e.g. for polio, measles). Seeking vaccinations is in line with Islamic principles: preserving life and preventing harm. It is not in conflict with tawakkul (trust in Allah); rather, it is “tying the camel.” By vaccinating our children, we save lives – a deed Allah equates to saving all humanity. This also reduces medical costs and keeps families healthy, contributing to socio-economic stability. Imams should encourage parents to register their children at the clinic for the free vaccines the government provides.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Awareness
What is Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of more than 200 related viruses that infect the skin and mucous membranes of humans. It is one of the most common viral infections worldwide and is primarily transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact.
According to the World Health Organization, most HPV infections do not cause symptoms and resolve on their own. However, some types of HPV can persist in the body and lead to serious
diseases, including cervical cancer, anal cancer, penile cancer, vulvar cancer, vaginal cancer, and certain cancers of the throat and mouth.
What Causes HPV?
HPV is caused by infection with the Human Papillomavirus. The virus spreads mainly through:
1. Sexual contact (vaginal, anal, or oral sex).
2. Close skin-to-skin genital contact with an infected person.
3. In rare cases, mother-to-child transmission during childbirth.
It is important to note that a person can carry and transmit HPV even when they have no visible symptoms.
Cervical cancer is a serious health challenge in Ghana. Recently, Ghana launched a nationwide HPV vaccination campaign for girls aged 9–14 (free of charge) to prevent cervical cancer. Islam
teaches us to remove harm and seek cures. The Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) said “There is no disease Allah has created, except that He also has created its treatment” (Sunan Abu Dawud). By raising awareness and accepting the HPV vaccine, we protect the lives and futures of our daughters. Cervical cancer kills over 1,800 women yearly in Ghana. Preventing this harm honors the Islamic ethos of “la darar wa la dirar” – no harming oneself or others. Imams can explain that
safeguarding girls’ health allows them to learn, work and contribute to society, fulfilling Allah’s encouragement to care for the vulnerable.
National Health Insurance (NHIS) Registration
Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) provides affordable healthcare. By law (Act 852, 2012), every Ghanaian resident must belong to the NHIS by registering. Once registered, a
family gains access to a wide range of medical services. From an Islamic perspective, having health coverage is part of fulfilling one’s social responsibility: the Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) taught that
one who provides for a sick or needy person is like one who worships in solitude (in reward). An Imam might cite the hadith “Whoever relieves a believer’s distress of the distressful aspects of this world, Allah will rescue him from a difficulty of the difficulties of the Hereafter” (Muslim).
Encouraging congregants to obtain NHIS cards ensures children can get vaccines and families can afford clinic visits, fulfilling the Quranic ideal of community care. Imams can organize special
registration drives after Jumu‘ah, so the poor and elderly receive help signing up, noting that Act 852 even allows community agents to assist citizens.
Author: Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai, Kpone Katamanso Municipal Chief Imam, GPC Certified Counsellor and Governance Expert
Fruitful Living
Protecting the Muslim home in the modern age: Communication, addiction, temptation, marital fidelity
All praise belongs to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. We praise Him, seek His help and forgiveness, and place our trust in Him. We seek refuge in Allah from the evil within ourselves and from the Consequences of our deeds.
May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w, his family, his Companions and all those who follow his guidance until the Day of Judgment?
As-salāmu ʿalaykum wa raḥmatullāhi wa barakātuh.
It is a great privilege to bring you this important topic for discussion.
Our subject today is:
“Protecting the Muslim Home in the Modern Age: Communication, Addiction, Temptation and Marital Fidelity.”
This is not simply a lecture about marriage.
It is a conversation about human beings, emotions, faith, choices, technology, temptation, responsibility and the future of our families.
And because I speak both as an Imam and as a certified counsellor, I want us to approach today’s discussion from two complementary perspectives:
The perspective of revelation and the perspective of human behaviour.
Islam gives us guidance about what is right and wrong.
Counselling helps us understand why people sometimes struggle to do what is right, how unhealthy patterns develop, and how people can be helped to change.
We therefore need both.
The foundation: what is marriage in Islam?
Before we discuss marital problems, we must first understand what marriage is supposed to accomplish.
Allah says:
“And among His signs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves so that you may
find tranquillity in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Surely in this are signs
for people who reflect.” (Qur’an 30:21)
Notice three extraordinary words:
1. SAKĪNAH – Tranquillity.
2. MAWADDAH – Affection and loving attachment.
3. RAḤMAH – Mercy, compassion and tenderness.
A successful marriage therefore should provide: Peace + Love + Mercy. (Quran 30:21)
Marriage is not merely: “I found someone attractive.”
Marriage is not: “I want someone to cook for me.”
Marriage is not: “I need somebody to have children with.”
Marriage is not simply: “I don’t want to be lonely.”
Marriage is an amanah — a trust from Allah.
Your spouse is an amanah.
Your children are an amanah.
Your sexuality is an amanah.
Your wealth is an amanah.
Your words are an amanah.
Your private conversations are an amanah.
And your marriage will ultimately be part of what you are accountable for before Allah.
There is a well-known Ḥadīth of Jābir ibn ʿAbdullāh, in which the Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) addressed the Muslims during the Farewell Pilgrimage and spoke about the rights and responsibilities concerning women.
The author is the Chief Imam of Katamanso Municipal and Certified Counsellor and Governor Expert
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like the branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given to you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. – John 15:1-8
Introduction
There are certain sins that Christians are always good at pointing out – usually in others. But there are a few that we tend to ignore, and these same few are the ones we also tend to commit more often ourselves.
1. Selfishness/self-righteousness
How often did Jesus call out the Pharisees in the New Testament? All. The. Time. And it was always for self-righteousness or selfishness. If you have to compliment yourself on something good you’ve done, then you aren’t doing it right. So many of us like to display our faithful acts so that others will know what good Christians we are. Christ doesn’t care what everyone else thinks of your generosity. He cares about your heart and your motivation. If you need other people to know about the good things you do, feel, or think in order to feel validated, then you need to re-evaluate. – Matthew 6:1-4
2. Patriotism
For the record, I do NOT think patriotism in and of itself is a sin. I put this here because all too often we put faith and Christian values in the same box as political party and patriotism. The bible is clear about the fact that Jesus’ name will be declared to ALL nations and peoples of the world. We shout, “‘Ghana!” and talk about how much better we are than everyone else, but that’s not biblical. We project Christianity on to the Ghanaian flag and assume that God is Ghanaian, but that’s not how it works. Celebrate Ghanaian values and understand how blessed you are to live here, but remember that at the end of the day you are a citizen of heaven, and heaven will be full of people from all over the world. – Revelation 7:9 – 10
3. Fear/worry
Jesus is very clear about worrying. He flat out tells us not to worry. Faith requires trust. 1 John 4:18 says, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear. . .” God is love. He loved us enough to send his son to die to atone for our sins. His love is perfect; therefore, we should have nothing to fear. I know fear is inevitable sometimes. It is a major struggle for me. We are not perfect, but fear and worry are not part of the equation with Christ. These attitudes that imply a lack of faith. All we can do is remember that God is sovereign and always in control – Matthew 6: 25 -34
4. Pride
We talk about pride all the time in church. We consistently discuss how detrimental and dangerous it is, but it seems like we don’t recognise what pride actually is. We don’t realise that every time we refuse someone forgiveness we are acting in pride. Every time you argue with a friend, family member, or spouse and insist that you will not be the one to apologize first then you act out of pride. Remember the grace that Christ extends to you and try to extend that same grace and forgiveness to others. – Philippians 2:1-5
5. Gluttony/coveting
This sin is closely related to pride. We bury ourselves in debt in order to make sure we have the best and newest things. The disciples often lived off of the generosity of others and Jesus was a poor carpenter. I’m not saying that wealth is inherently bad. It’s not. If you can afford that Mercedes, by all means, buy it. But if you can’t; if you are spending hundreds of dollars each month paying off debt, then you could be committing a modern form of gluttony. You need to look inside yourself and search your heart. If your nice things were taken away, would you still be satisfied and able to find joy in Christ? Why are you really in debt? Who are you trying to impress, God or men? – 1 Timothy 6:6 – 8 7 17 – 19
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