New forms of Islamic marriage in Ghana

In name of Allah, the Most Com­passionate and Merciful!

We praise and salute the Prophet of Islam, our leader and beloved to Allah and to us, Mohammed, Peace and blessings of the Almighty be upon Him and His family and noble compan­ions.

Last week, I presided over a marriage ceremony as the con­ductor as well as the Imam who rendered the Khutba or mar­riage sermon and gave an advice to the couple at the National Mosque of Ghana at Kanda in Accra.

My attention has been drawn to some Muslims professionals, including some scholars and stu­dents of knowledge pouring their criticism and objections over certain practices and activities that took place at the ceremony and its aftermath. Some de­scribed it as foreign and alien to our culture but not unlawful, and others say it is completely haram and not permissible in Islam.

I have decided to offer my opinion, and an Islamic Fatwa in public without publicly exposing the couple out of our respect to them because the subject mat­ter is becoming a public matter and therefore I pray my opinion would help in settling or at least extinguishing the simmering tension and debate over Islamic laws; traditions and its applica­tion, Insha Allah.

The Holy Quran as the ultimate Guide for all Muslims in every aspect of life permits entertain­ment and merry making when one or group of people rejoice or find a means to be happy.

Say, O Prophet, “In Allah’s grace and mercy let them re­joice. That is far better than whatever wealth they amass.” 10:58.

The only concern is for all the people involved and participat­ing not to include or entertain any form of any of the following:

1. Alcoholic drinks

2. Consumption of pig

3. Consumption of the meat of dead animal or lawfully permit­ted animal to be consumed but wrongly slaughtered

4. Dancing with a woman or a man in case of a woman who is not lawfully your partner, sister, mother or daughter.

5. Exposing parts of the body that makes one attractive and sexy

6. The lyrics in the music does not have or contain any immoral words, among other things.

In certain cultures in Ghana and outside Ghana, couples exchange weddings or engage­ment rings before, during or after the wedding and wedding gowns whether white or any colour including holding parties and receptions at hotels or event centres, and the issuance of marriage certificates.

All these are permitted in Is­lam as long as it does not violate or break any law such as kissing in public between the couple, which is also permissible only to some extent, touching the body parts of your partner in a dance or any form, and the superstition that the rings and white gowns bring fortunes or bondage be­tween the couple.

Ibn Abbas reported: Ayisha gave away one of her relatives in marriage to a man among the Ansar. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, came and said, “Did you send them a girl?” They said yes. The Prophet said, “Did you send someone to sing with her?” She said no. The Prophet said, “Ver­ily, the Ansar are a people who love poetry, so you should send someone along with her to say: Here we come, to you we come, greet us as we greet you.”

Source: Sunan Ibn Mājah 1900

In another narration of this Hadith by Imam Bukhari (RA), the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon actually said: oh Ayisha, was there any entertain­ment in the gathering because the people of Madina love enter­tainment.

I pray to Allah to bestow upon us His wisdom and guide, bless all our efforts and understand­ing of the religion and bless our affairs.

The writer is a Member of the National Peace Council of Gha­na (NPC) and Chairman of the Greater Accra Regional Peace Council (GARPC). Executive Sec­retary of the Tijjaniya Muslims of Ghana.

By Alhaji Khuzaima Mohammed Osman