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