Fruitful Living
Sanitation, hygiene, the morality ofpublic space: Reclaiming Ghana’s civicvirtue through faith, policy (Final Part)
A. The role of religious leaders and counsellors
Religious leaders wield immense influence in shaping public values. Every mosque, church, and shrine should integrate environmental stewardship into its doctrine. Islam views the earth as a masjid—a place of prostration (Sahih Bukhari, 335). Polluting it is akin to defiling a sacred space. Monthly khutbahs should focus on amanah and tahārah, connecting spiritual purity to environmental discipline.
As a counsellor, I affirm that behavioural reform requires both moral teaching and psychological reinforcement. When believers internalise that cleaning a drain is an act of ʿibādah (worship), they transform routine labour into sacred service. The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught: “Removing harmful things from the path is a branch of faith.” (Sahih Muslim, 35). This hadith perfectly captures the theology of civic virtue.
B. Individual and community pledge
Moral renewal begins with personal accountability. Every household must adopt responsible waste practices—segregating recyclables, composting, and cooperating with collection services. Citizens must also exercise al-amr bi-l-maʿrūf wan-nahy ʿani-l-munkar (enjoining good and forbidding evil) by correcting neighbours who litter or misuse public spaces, with gentleness and wisdom (Qur’an 16:125).
Communities should establish local sanitation committees under mosque and church leadership, creating faith-driven accountability structures. Supporting local enforcement, rather than resisting it, must be seen as a contribution to maslahah—the public interest that the Sharia seeks to protect.
This collective moral reawakening must integrate faith, governance, and citizenship into one moral project: cleanliness as worship, sanitation as patriotism.
C. Conclusion: Cleanliness, dignity, and the Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah
Ghana’s destiny as a great nation is inseparable from the cleanliness of its environment and the conscience of its citizens. The choked gutters, polluted rivers, and scattered waste are not only environmental failures but spiritual wounds upon our collective soul. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Allah is pure and accepts only what is pure.” (Sahih Muslim, 1015). A nation that aspires to divine favour must first reflect divine purity in its public spaces.
To achieve this, we must view sanitation through the lens of the Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah—the higher objectives of Islamic law—which aim to preserve life (ḥifẓ al-nafs), faith (ḥifẓ al-dīn), intellect (ḥifẓ al-ʿaql), wealth (ḥifẓ al-māl), and posterity (ḥifẓ al-nasl). Clean environments are essential for all five objectives:
• Preservation of Life (ḥifẓ al-nafs): Proper sanitation prevents disease and death. Protecting human health is a divine imperative. Allah says, “And do not throw yourselves with your own hands into destruction.” (Qur’an 2:195).
• Preservation of Faith (ḥifẓ al-dīn): Islam equates purity with faith. An unclean environment obstructs worship and spiritual growth, violating the believer’s covenant of cleanliness.
• Preservation of Intellect (ḥifẓ al-ʿaql): Healthy surroundings promote clarity of thought, while pollution and disease diminish cognitive vitality and learning.
• Preservation of Wealth (ḥifẓ al-māl): Waste management safeguards public funds, prevents costly health crises, and preserves natural resources.
• Preservation of Posterity (ḥifẓ al-nasl): Environmental care ensures a habitable planet for future generations, fulfilling our amanah to the unborn.
By aligning sanitation with these higher objectives, we transform a civic duty into a sacred mission. Achieving the Maqāṣid requires cooperation between policy and piety—laws enforced justly, education grounded in values, and citizens inspired by faith.
Let every believer remember that a clean street is a silent dhikr (remembrance of Allah), a purified drain is a fulfilled amanah, and a healthy neighbour is a protected trust. When our gutters run clear and our air smells fresh, it will signify not merely progress but piety—proof that Ghana has reclaimed its moral and civic virtue under the gaze of the Almighty Allah.
Thank you.
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ALL praise belongs to Allah, the Lord of the worlds, who ordained fasting in the blessed month of Ramadan as a means of spiritual purification and moral elevation for the believers. We thank Him for granting us the opportunity to witness and complete this noble month. May His peace and blessings be upon the noble Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), his family, his companions, and all those who follow his guidance until the Day of Judgment.
As the crescent of Shawwal appears, Muslims across the world celebrate Eid ul-Fitr, a day that marks the successful completion of a month devoted to fasting, prayer, charity, and spiritual reflection.
Historical and scriptural background
The observance of fasting during Ramadan was divinely prescribed by Allah as an act of worship and discipline for the Muslim community. The Qur’an establishes this obligation in clear terms:
“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain righteousness (taqwa).” (Qur’an 2:183)
This verse demonstrates that fasting is not unique to Islam alone but was also practiced by earlier religious communities. However, in Islam it was perfected as a structured act of devotion observed annually during the month of Ramadan.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the spiritual rewards associated with fasting. He said:
“Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and in hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Sahih al-Bukhari; Sahih Muslim)
Ramadan therefore becomes a period in which believers strive to purify their hearts, discipline their desires, and strengthen their relationship with their Creator.
The objectives of Ramadan fasting
The central objective of fasting in Islam is the attainment of taqwa, which refers to a heightened consciousness of Allah that influences one’s conduct and decisions.
The Qur’an explicitly highlights this purpose when it states: “That you may attain righteousness (taqwa).” (Qur’an 2:183)
Through fasting, Muslims learn self-restraint and patience. By abstaining from food, drink, and marital relations during daylight hours, believers cultivate discipline over their physical desires.
Fasting also nurtures compassion for the less privileged. Experiencing hunger and thirst reminds the fasting person of the hardships endured by the poor, encouraging generosity and social responsibility. For this reason, Ramadan is also a period of heightened charity and community solidarity.
Furthermore, Ramadan serves as a time for spiritual renewal through increased prayer, recitation of the Qur’an, remembrance of Allah, and acts of kindness. By the end of the month, the believer ideally emerges spiritually rejuvenated and morally refined.
Understanding Eid ul-Fitr
Eid ul-Fitr literally means “the festival of breaking the fast.” It is the joyous occasion that follows the completion of Ramadan and symbolizes gratitude to Allah for granting believers the strength to fulfill this important act of worship.
The Qur’an alludes to this celebration when it states: “…that you complete the prescribed period and glorify Allah for guiding you, and perhaps you will be grateful.” (Qur’an 2:185)
Eid ul-Fitr is therefore not merely a cultural festival but a religious expression of gratitude and devotion.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also confirmed the significance of this celebration when he arrived in Madinah and found the people observing other festivals. He said: “Allah has replaced them for you with two better days: the Day of Eid al-Fitr and the Day of Eid al-Adha.” (Sunan Abu Dawud)
These two annual celebrations, therefore, hold a sacred place in Islamic tradition.
Observance of the Eid ul-Fitr prayer
One of the most important features of Eid ul-Fitr is the special congregational prayer performed by Muslims. This prayer consists of two units (rak‘ahs) and is distinguished by additional Takbīrāt (proclamations of “Allahu Akbar”) that glorify Allah.
Following the prayer, the Imam delivers a sermon (khutbah) reminding the community of the lessons of Ramadan and encouraging them to remain steadfast in righteousness.
The Eid prayer symbolises unity and brotherhood, as Muslims gather in large congregations to express gratitude to Allah and celebrate their collective spiritual achievement.
Celebrating Eid ul-Fitr in Accordance with Authentic Islamic Teachings
Islam provides clear guidance on how Eid should be celebrated in a manner that reflects gratitude and moderation.
One of the key obligations is the payment of Zakat al-Fitr, a charity given before the Eid prayer to ensure that even the poor can share in the joy of the day. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The Messenger of Allah made Zakat al-Fitr obligatory as a purification for the fasting person and as food for the poor.” (Sunan Abu Dawud)
Muslims are also encouraged to wear clean or new clothes, eat before going for the prayer, and exchange greetings of goodwill.
Equally important is maintaining family ties, visiting relatives, helping the needy, and spreading happiness within the community. At the same time, Muslims are reminded to avoid extravagance or activities that contradict Islamic moral values.
Key take-home messages from the Eid Khutbah
During the Eid sermon, the Imam typically emphasises several important lessons derived from Ramadan.
First, believers are reminded that the discipline cultivated during Ramadan should continue throughout the year. Acts of worship such as prayer, charity, and remembrance of Allah should not end with the conclusion of the month.
Second, Muslims are encouraged to uphold the values of compassion, justice, and unity within their communities.
Finally, the khutbah often calls upon believers to remain conscious of their responsibilities toward society, promoting peace, morality, and social harmony.
Eid Greetings to the Muslim community
As Muslims celebrate this blessed occasion, we pray that Allah accepts our fasting, prayers, charity, and all acts of devotion performed during Ramadan.
May the spiritual lessons of the month remain with us throughout the year, guiding us toward righteousness and compassion in our daily lives.
I extend my warmest greetings to Muslims everywhere and wish you all Eid Mubarak.
Author 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
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
