“…at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly” – Romans 5:6 (NIV)

Introduction

JESUS Christ shed His blood on the Cross as the perfect, all-sufficient sacrifice for our sins. His atoning death and victorious resurrection constitute the only ground for our salvation.

The Holy Spirit glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ and convicts the world of its guilt. He regenerates sinners, and we are baptized in Him into union with Christ and adopted as heirs in the family of God.

The Holy Spirit also indwells, illuminates, guides, equips and empowers believers for Christ-like living and service.

We continue from where we ended last week.

Seven words on the cross

4. The word of spiritual suffering

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” – Mark 15:34.

These words mark the climax of Jesus’ suffering for a lost world. Jesus experienced separation from God the Father as the sinner’s substitute. Here the sorrow, grief and pain were at their worst.

He was pierced for our transgression – “But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:5 (NIV), and gave Himself a “ransom for many” – Matthew 20:28; 1 Timothy 2:6.

God made Him who had no sin to be sin for you and me – 2 Cor. 5:21.

Jesus died, forsaken that we might never be forsaken – Psalm 22. Because of this we are redeemed by the suffering of Christ – 1 Peter 1:19.

5. The word of physical suffering

“Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” – John 19:28.

Jesus nearing death goes through the agony of thirst. Jesus the fountain of Living Water desires earthly water and is given vinegar – sour wine which He rejects. He had to endure pain and shame.

6. The word of triumph

“When He had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished” – John 19:30.

Mission accomplished. The work of redemption is done. Jesus did not say “I am finished.” Rather, He triumphantly made a declaration that He had completed and accomplished His work on the cross.

• He had accomplished the earthly mission assigned by the Father;
• He had fulfilled the important Old Testament prophecy about the suffering Messiah – Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 53:3–12;
• Completed the work of redemption as the sacrificial and Passover Lamb of God – John 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:7, involving blood atonement – Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 9:12 & 22;
• The decisive moment of victory over Satan and his network of demons – Colossians 2:15;
• Jesus has achieved the means of reconciliation of God with His creation and sinful humanity – 2 Corinthians 5:18–19 & 21; Colossians 1:20–22.

It is worthy to note that nothing can be added to the finished work of the cross for salvation. The way of salvation is now open to all who believe and draw on Jesus’ finished work on the cross – Matthew 27:50; Luke 23:46.

The debt for our sin has been paid in full and the plan of salvation established.

7. The word of committal

“Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit My spirit.” When He had said this, He breathed His last.” – John 19:30; Luke 23:46.

The Lord Jesus voluntarily committed His life into God the Father’s care – He went in spirit to His Father in Heaven.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” – John 3:16 (NIV).

Author

Kindly note: You are warmly invited to join us for our programme, Meditations on Easter, on Saturday, 11th April 2026 at Christ the King Parish Hall at 8:00 a.m.

The theme is: “He Is Risen Indeed, Hallelujah!!! – The Transformative Power of the Resurrection” (Matthew 28:5; 1 Peter 1:3–4).

Our deepest desire this Easter is to experience the power of Christ’s resurrection more intimately in our lives and to share the hope of the risen Lord with others.

Stay Blessed!

For further inquiries please contact us on Tel Nos. 0302-772013 or 0268130615
Email: saltnlightministries@gmail.com
Website: saltandlightgh.org

By Rev. Dr Joyce Aryee

Types of Hajj: Understanding the forms of pilgrimage

THERE are three recognised types of Hajj:

• Hajj al-Tamattu’: Performing Umrah first, exiting Ihram, and then entering Ihram again for Hajj.
• Hajj al-Qirān: Combining Umrah and Hajj in one Ihram without exiting.
• Hajj al-Ifrād: Performing only Hajj without Umrah.

Each type has specific rulings, and the choice depends on the pilgrim’s circumstances.

Miqāt and the State of Ihram

The Miqāt refers to designated boundary points where pilgrims must enter into Ihram before proceeding to Makkah. Crossing these boundaries without Ihram invalidates the proper commencement of Hajj.

Ihram is not just clothing—it is a sacred state of discipline, intention, and spiritual consciousness.

Fidyah and Dam: Expiation in Hajj

Islam provides remedies for mistakes during Hajj:

• Fidyah: Compensation such as fasting, feeding the poor, or sacrifice for minor violations
• Dam: Sacrificial penalty required for certain omissions or violations
• Tawaf
• Sa’i

These ensure that errors do not invalidate the pilgrimage but are corrected through prescribed means.

The virtue of Hajj Mabroor

The ultimate goal is to attain Hajj Mabroor (an accepted Hajj). The Prophet Mohammed pbuh said:

“An accepted Hajj has no reward except Paradise.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī; Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)

Its signs include sincerity, avoidance of sin, humility, and lasting transformation after the pilgrimage.

The role of intention and acceptance

Hajj is not judged by outward actions alone but by sincerity of intention (Niyyah). A person may perform all rituals correctly yet fail to attain acceptance if sincerity is lacking.

Allah looks at the hearts, not merely the actions.

Life after Hajj: A new beginning

Hajj is not the end—it is the beginning of a renewed life. A pilgrim is expected to:

• Maintain righteousness
• Increase acts of worship
• Avoid returning to sin
• Become a model of good character in society

The true success of Hajj is reflected in one’s transformation.

What is Umrah?

Umrah is a lesser pilgrimage that can be performed at any time of the year. It includes:

• Ihram
• Tawaf
• Sa’i
• Shaving or trimming hair

Though not obligatory like Hajj, it holds immense spiritual reward. The Prophet Mohammed said:

“One Umrah to another is an expiation for what is between them.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī; Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)

Visiting the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah

While not a pillar of Hajj, visiting the Mosque of the Prophet Mohammed pbuh in Madinah is a highly recommended Sunnah.

The Prophet Mohammed said:

“Do not undertake a journey except to three mosques: Al-Masjid al-Haram, my mosque, and Al-Aqsa Mosque.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī; Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)

Praying in the Prophet’s Mosque carries immense reward, and sending salutations upon him at his grave is a deeply spiritual experience.

Summary and conclusion

Hajj is a journey of total submission, unity, and spiritual rebirth. It connects the believer to the legacy of the Prophets and prepares the soul for the ultimate return to Allah.

The Prophet Mohammed pbuh said:

“Whoever performs Hajj for Allah and avoids obscenity and wrongdoing will return like the day he was born.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, 1521; Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, 1350)

May Allah grant us the opportunity to perform Hajj, accept it from us, and make it a means of our salvation. Ameen.

• Author

Author’s profile

Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai
Kpone Katamanso Metropolitan Chief Imam
Governance Expert and Islamic Scholar

Imam Saeed Abdulai is a distinguished Islamic scholar and community leader known for his impactful teachings on faith, governance, and societal development. He actively contributes to religious education and public discourse in Ghana and beyond.

22. References

• The Noble Qur’an (2:197, 3:97, 22:26–27)
• Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī
• Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim
• Sunan al-Tirmidhi
• Ibn Kathir, Tafsir al-Qur’an al-‘Azim
• Imam al-Nawawi, Sharh Sahih Muslim

By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai, Kpone Katamanso Municipal Chief Imam, Certified Counsellor and Governance Expert