Fruitful Living
Topic: Building responsible men for tomorrow
1. Introduction
Bismillāhi-r-Raḥmāni-r-Raḥīm.
All the praises and thanks be to Allah, we ask for His countless blessings upon the Holy Prophet Mohammed s.a.w., his household, companions and those who follow the cause till the last day.
Our topic today — “Building responsible men for tomorrow” — could not be more relevant.
Across the world and in our dear Ghana, we are witnessing a crisis of masculinity: moral decay, social irresponsibility, and a growing disconnect between manhood and accountability. The Holy Qur’an reminds us that; “Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.”(Qur’an 13:11)
Responsibility, therefore, begins not in the parliament, not in the mosque, but within the self — in the heart and the mind of each man who decides to live by principle and faith.
2. Understanding the theme let us unpack the theme itself: “Building responsible men for tomorrow.”
To build means to construct, to shape, or to strengthen. It suggests a deliberate, continuous process— one that requires foundation, materials, and commitment. In this context, we are not building structures, but characters — men whose lives reflect honesty, service, and leadership.
The word “responsible” comes from the root respondere, meaning “to answer.” Yes, the word “responsible” comes from the Latin root respondere, which means “to answer” or” to respond,” and is made up of re- (“back,” “again”) and spondēre (“to pledge”). This original sense highlights the idea of being “answerable for” or “obligated” to something, retaining the core meaning of a pledge or promise to answer for an action or duty.
• Origin: The Latin verb respondere combines re- (“back” or “again”) with spondēre (“to pledge”).
• Meaning: The combined meaning is “to answer” or “to promise in return”.
• Etymology: This root shows that to be “responsible” is to be able to “answer for” something, retaining the sense of being accountable for a promise or obligation.
In the moral and spiritual contexts, it is to be responsible or answerable to Allah, to family, to society, and to one’s own conscience. It is the ability to make choices and accept their consequences with integrity.
The word “men” here transcends biology. It refers to leaders, fathers, sons, and brothers individuals who must embody purpose and discipline. As Dr Myles Munroe (2002) wisely wrote in. The Principles and Power of Vision, “The greatest tragedy in life is not death, but a life without purpose.” Responsible men live with purpose — guided by principles larger than themselves.
Finally, “tomorrow” symbolises the future — the Ghana, the Ummah, and the world we hope to leave for our children. Every action today shapes that tomorrow.
3. Education and career development: The foundation of responsibility
Education is the foundation of all meaningful progress the seed from which responsible individuals and sustainable societies grow. The Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم emphasised, “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim” (Ibn Mājah, Hadith 224). This timeless principle underlines that education is not merely a privilege but a duty — a lifelong pursuit that nurtures both the intellect and the soul.
True education extends beyond classrooms and certificates. It encompasses life skills, emotional intelligence, spiritual intelligence, and ethical leadership — the four pillars that shape responsible manhood in the modern world.
In the Ghanaian context, life skills refer to practical abilities such as problem-solving, decision- making, financial literacy, communication, and adaptability. A responsible man should know how to balance work and family, manage limited resources, and engage constructively in his community.
“For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” – Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)
Great expectations
Imagine that a message has come about the visit of a great king. This king who is coming to visit your city is of impeccable pedigree – a line of ancestors known for their great leadership qualities. This expected king has a reputation for fairness, justice, kindness, wisdom and generosity. All over town people’s expectations are high. The people know that the king will not just visit and go along His way without leaving them something that will make their lives better so each person in the village has made their own list of things that they will either directly or indirectly ask from the king. The issue of not receiving what is asked for is totally out of the question. The awaited king is not like that. He not only keeps His word. He is one who is compassionate and listens to His people and so wherever He goes He leaves a train of fulfilled dreams and hopes.
The Great King
In Isaiah 9:1-7, we read of the famous prophecy at the coronation of either Hezekiah or Josiah as King of Judah “Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honour Galilee of the Gentiles, by the way of the sea, along the Jordan. The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as men rejoice when dividing the plunder. For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over His kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.” The prophecy speaks of the close of the chapter of doom, gloom and melancholy. In verses 2 & 3, Isaiah draws a contrast between the darkness of despair and the joyous salvation which will be ushered in by the coming king, who will be the long awaited Saviour. This passage in Isaiah is quoted extensively at Christmas time because it is the prophecy concerning the coming of the King of Kings and Saviour of the world – the Lord Jesus Christ.
Later Isaiah gives us names which are descriptive of the nature, character and power of this coming King. These names have a very special meaning to us because we know that Jesus has fulfilled every aspect of the prophecy.
By Rev. Dr Joyce Aryee
THERE is no superiority of an Arab over a non-Arab, nor of a white over a black, except by piety.
This is perhaps one of the earliest and clearest condemnations of racism in history.
Fourteen centuries before the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), the Prophet proclaimed human equality as a divine truth.
The Qur’an confirms:
“O mankind! We created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another. Verily, the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous.” (Qur’an 49:13)
Moral lesson and global impact
The farewell sermon’s anti-racist ethos remains revolutionary. It inspired civil rights leaders such as Malcolm X, who after performing Hajj wrote that Islam revealed to him a “spirit of unity that erased colour from the equation of faith.”
In a world struggling with systemic racism, ethnic nationalism, and xenophobia, this prophetic statement offers a moral reset, inviting all humanity to embrace shared origin, purpose, and dignity.
Brotherhood, unity and social responsibility
“Every Muslim is a brother to every other Muslim. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly.”
This principle emphasises social trust, justice, and empathy. The Prophet also said:
“The Muslim is the brother of another Muslim; he does not wrong him, nor forsake him.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Moral lesson and modern application
In an age of loneliness, social division, and digital isolation, this call to fraternity is vital. Islam presents society as a moral community (ummah) bound by compassion and justice.
Even for non-Muslims, this principle offers a framework for civic solidarity, a reminder that community welfare depends on mutual care and responsibility.
As Karen Armstrong (2011) argues, “The Farewell Sermon represents a global ethic of compassion, a reminder that empathy is the foundation of civilisation.”
The final guidance: The Qur’an and Sunnah
“I leave behind me two things; if you hold fast to them, you will never go astray: the Book of Allah and my Sunnah.”
The Prophet concluded by entrusting humanity with divine guidance. The Qur’an and Sunnah remain living sources of wisdom — calling to justice, mercy, and humility.
Allah says:
“If you differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger.” (Qur’an 4:59)
Moral lesson for all humanity (Part 4)
The Prophet’s emphasis on divine revelation reminds both Muslims and non-Muslims that moral renewal begins with reconnecting to higher values, such as truth, honesty, justice, and service.
In a time when materialism and moral relativism dominate, the Farewell Sermon calls humanity to re-anchor itself in divine ethics.
The subtle obedience to Shayṭān
The Prophet هيلع هللا ىلص ملسو ’s phrase, “but he is content to be obeyed in smaller matters,” reveals an important truth: Shayṭān rarely begins with major sins. Instead, he seduces believers through minor disobedience and internal division — envy, gossip, backbiting, or neglecting small acts of worship.
Allah says:
“And do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.” (Qur’an 2:168)
Imam al-Ghazālī (d. 1111 CE) explains in Iḥyā’ ‘Ulūm al-Dīn that Shayṭān works “step by step, whispering in the heart until disobedience feels natural and righteousness feels burdensome.” This gradual corruption transforms spiritual negligence into societal decay.
In today’s world, these “smaller matters” may include spreading false information, harbouring prejudice against fellow Muslims, or allowing political or ethnic loyalties to outweigh faith. The Prophet foresaw this danger and warned that Shayṭān thrives wherever believers are distracted by worldly divisions.
How these lessons benefit Muslims and non-Muslims alike
While the sermon emerged from an Islamic context, its principles are universal.
- For Muslims, it serves as a blueprint for faith, governance, and social conduct, urging us to live ethically in every domain.
- For non-Muslims, it offers a shared moral framework, one that transcends creed and culture. Its emphasis on life, equality, justice, and compassion mirrors the ethical teachings of other faiths and philosophies.
In a polarised world of religious intolerance and social fragmentation, the Farewell Sermon is not merely a relic of sacred history; it is a living manifesto of universal moral order.
Summary
The Farewell Sermon of Prophet Muhammad is not just an address to the seventh-century Arabs, it is a moral constitution for all humanity, regardless. Its teachings on the sanctity of life, economic justice, gender equality, anti-racism, and spiritual accountability remain unmatched in relevance.
As Professor Seyyed Hossein Nasr (2015) aptly observes, “It is a universal proclamation of the sacred, calling man to live responsibly as God’s vicegerent on Earth.”
Conclusion and recommendation
The moral decline and divisions of our modern world from inequality and racism to corruption and conflict stem from our collective departure from divine ethics.
The Farewell Sermon reminds humanity that peace is not achieved through power, but through moral conscience, compassion, and justice. Muslims must embody these values daily in our families, communities, and governance systems. Non-Muslims can embrace the universal wisdom of its message fostering empathy, equality, and respect.
Let us all regardless of faith commit to living by this prophetic charter of peace. For when we uphold the sanctity of life, truth, and justice, we fulfill the very purpose of our creation.
Allah said:
“And we have not sent you, O Muhammad, except as a mercy to the worlds.” (Qur’an 21:107)
Thank you.
By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai
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