Fruitful Living
Hijab (Islamic veil) as an act of worship (Part 2)
Consequences on lack of knowledge about Hijab can cause Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD)
Lack of knowledge about the use of Hijab and its role in promoting modesty can contribute significantly to immoral behaviour in societies, which in turn increases the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
In Islamic teachings, the Hijab is not only a piece of clothing but a broader concept of modesty, dignity and moral conduct.
When society underestimates the value of modesty in behaviour, dress and interactions, it can lead to permissiveness in relationships, unsafe sexual practice, and other behaviours that increase the risk of STDs.
Peer Pressure and Western Influence in Urban Areas
In Urban centres like Accra and Kumasi, younger generations are often influenced by Western media and fashion trends that promote revealing clothing and casual attitudes towards relationships.
This cultural shift, coupled with inadequate education about Islamic principles like the hijab’s role in promoting modesty, can lead to high incidence of promiscuity.
For instance, young women and men engaging in risky sexual behaviour without understanding the consequences often do so under the influence of societal trends. This increase exposure to sexually transmitted diseases like HIV/AIDS, which remains a public health issue in Ghana.
Misinterpretation of Freedom and Modernity
In higher educational institutions, some students perceive wearing the hijab as outdated or limiting their freedom. This lack of knowledge about the hijab’s significance can lead to adopting lifestyles that prioritize fashion over modesty.
For example, a university student might choose to attend social gatherings where alcohol and casual sexual encounters are common, driven by peer pressure and a desire to fit in.
Without the grounding principles of modesty and chastity, the chances of unprotected and reckless sexual activity rise, contributing to the spread of diseases like gonorrhea or syphilis.
Both scenarios highlight how a lack of knowledge about the hijab’s deeper values can lead to behaviors that put individuals and society at risk.
While the hijab alone does not guarantee moral behavior, its principles, when understood and embraced, can foster a culture of self-respect and responsibility that mitigates the spread of STDs.
Education on these values, coupled with awareness of sexual health, is critical for addressing this challenge in society. Casual relationships contribute to the spread of STDs, which harm both individuals and communities.
Fundamental Human Rights: Religious Freedom
Ghana, like many democratic nations, guarantees the right to freedom of religion. Article 21(1) ( c ) of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana explicitly states: “All persons shall have the right to freedom to practice any religion and to manifest such practice.”
This provision protects every citizen’s right to practice their religion, including the wearing of Hijab, without discrimination or intimidation.
Similarly, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) 1948, Article 18, asserts:
“Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship, and observance.”
These legal provisions recognise Hijab as part of the manifestation of Islam and affirm that Muslim women have the right to wear Hijab in public institutions
By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai, the Author
AS the blessed month of Ramadan gradually draws to a close, Muslims across the world enter what is widely regarded as the most sacred and spiritually rewarding period of the entire month—the last 10 days of Ramadan. For believers, these final days represent not merely the conclusion of fasting but the climax of a profound spiritual journey.
Throughout Ramadan, Muslims engage in fasting, prayer, charity, and self-discipline in order to cultivate righteousness and strengthen their relationship with Allah. Yet the final 10 days are particularly unique because they contain extraordinary opportunities for forgiveness, spiritual renewal, and divine mercy. It is during this period that Muslims are encouraged to intensify their devotion, increase acts of worship, and seek closeness to their Creator.
The Qur’an highlights the significance of Ramadan itself, reminding believers that it was during this month that divine revelation began. Allah states that Ramadan is the month in which the Qur’an was revealed as guidance for humanity and as clear proof distinguishing truth from falsehood (Qur’an 2:185). However, the greatest spiritual treasures of Ramadan are believed to lie hidden within its final nights.
Laylatul Qadr: The night greater than a lifetime
The most important event expected during the last ten days is Laylatul Qadr, commonly translated as the Night of Power or the Night of Decree. The Qur’an describes this night as one that is better than a thousand months of worship (Qur’an 97:1–5). In practical terms, this means that a single night of sincere devotion may carry rewards greater than more than eighty-three years of continuous worship.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasised the extraordinary blessings attached to this night. He taught that whoever stands in prayer on Laylatul Qadr with sincere faith and hope in Allah’s reward will have all their past sins forgiven (Sahih al-Bukhari 1901; Sahih Muslim 760).
The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) further taught us the most auspicious supplication on that night:
“Oh Allah, you are the forgiver, you love to forgive, so forgive me.”
Because the precise date of Laylatul Qadr is not known, Muslims are encouraged to seek it during the odd-numbered nights within the last ten days of Ramadan (Sahih al-Bukhari 2017). This encourages believers to maintain devotion throughout the entire period rather than focusing on a single night.
I‘tikāf: A retreat for the soul
Another important spiritual practice associated with the last ten days of Ramadan is I‘tikāf, a form of spiritual retreat in the mosque devoted entirely to worship and reflection.
During I‘tikāf, a believer withdraws temporarily from daily distractions and focuses exclusively on strengthening their relationship with Allah. The wife of the Prophet Muhammad, Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), reported that the Prophet regularly observed I‘tikāf during the last ten days of Ramadan until his passing (Sahih al-Bukhari 2026; Sahih Muslim 1172).
Those who observe I‘tikāf dedicate their time to reciting and studying the Qur’an, performing voluntary prayers, remembering Allah through dhikr, seeking forgiveness, and making sincere supplications. The Qur’an itself acknowledges those who remain in retreat in the mosques as part of their devotion (Qur’an 2:187).
Zakatul Fitr: Ensuring no one is left behind
At its conclusion, Muslims are required to give Zakatul Fitr, a charitable donation distributed to the poor before the Eid prayer.
The Prophet Muhammad made this charity obligatory upon every Muslim, young or old, male or female (Sahih al-Bukhari 1503; Sahih Muslim 984). The wisdom behind this obligation is both spiritual and social.
Zakatul Fitr serves to purify the fasting person from any mistakes or shortcomings that may have occurred during Ramadan. At the same time, it provides food and support to the poor so that they too can celebrate the festival of Eid with dignity and happiness (Sunan Abu Dawud 1609).
Following the Prophetic example
The Prophet Muhammad treated the last 10 days of Ramadan with exceptional seriousness and devotion. According to Aisha, when these nights began, he intensified his worship, spent the nights in prayer, and encouraged his family members to do the same (Sahih al-Bukhari 2024; Sahih Muslim 1174).
This prophetic example offers important lessons for Muslims today. Believers are encouraged to use these final days to increase night prayers, recite and reflect upon the Qur’an, make abundant supplications, remember Allah frequently, and give charity generously.
A rare opportunity that must not be wasted
One of the most powerful lessons of Ramadan is that spiritual opportunities do not last forever. Many believers begin Ramadan with enthusiasm but gradually lose momentum as the month progresses.
However, the true success of Ramadan lies in finishing the month stronger than it began. The Prophet warned that a person is truly unfortunate if Ramadan passes and their sins are not forgiven (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 3545).
For this reason, Muslims are encouraged during these final days to sincerely repent to Allah, repair broken relationships, forgive others, increase acts of kindness, and renew their commitment to righteous living.
The final stretch of the spiritual journey
The last 10 days of Ramadan represent one of the greatest opportunities for spiritual transformation in the life of a believer. Within these nights lies Laylatul Qadr—a night whose blessings exceed decades of worship.
These days also remind Muslims of the importance of reflection, charity, discipline, and devotion. They provide a chance to correct past mistakes, seek forgiveness, and renew one’s relationship with Allah.
Those who seize these final days with sincerity and determination may leave Ramadan not only forgiven but spiritually renewed and strengthened for the journey ahead.
Author’s profile
Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai is the Kpone Katamanso Municipal Chief Imam, a Governance Expert, and a Certified Counsellor. He regularly contributes to national discourse on religion, social development, governance, and moral leadership, and participates in media discussions on family life, ethics, and community development.
By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai, Kpone Katamanso Municipal Chief Imam | Governance Expert | Certified Counsellor
Satan tempts Jesus with the offer of rulership over all the kingdoms of the world, a proposal that Jesus rejects. This could be viewed as an appeal for material wealth, possessions and power.
Jesus’ kingdom in this age is not a worldly kingdom. Throughout His ministry, Jesus would refuse to seek a kingdom for Himself by the worldly methods of compromise, earthly power, political maneuvering, external violence or personal popularity.
Jesus’ kingdom is a spiritual one, established in the hearts of His people, who have also refused to follow the ungodly ways of the world. As a heavenly kingdom,
- It is gained through suffering, self – denial, humility and meekness – the opposite of how worldly people pursue power;
- It requires surrendering ourselves as living and holy sacrifices completely devoted and obedient to God and His purposes; Romans 12:1 – Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
- It involves a battle against Satan, sin, temptation and evil using spiritual weapons. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. – Ephesians 6:10-20.
- It means resisting conformity to the beliefs, behaviours and lifestyles that are common in the world. Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. – 1 John 2:15-17
Satan’s appeal to worship Him was an attempt to get Jesus to take a quick route to a world domination – to avoid the humility and sufferings that would lead to Jesus’ death on the cross. This is to say, the devil was trying to get Jesus to lay aside His entire purpose for coming to earth. Christ’s willingness to face all the difficulties that lay ahead is an example to all believers. He taught us that there are no shortcuts to fulfilling God’s perfect purposes for our lives, no matter how tempting the options may seem.
Stay Blessed!
By Rev. Dr Joyce Aryee
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
