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.