Annual Tasfseer Holy Quran commentary held

Accra, Oct 7, GNA - The annual Tafseer, Islamic Commentary of the Holy Quran organised by the Islamic Charity Centre for Women Orientation, a Non-governmental Organisation (NGO), aimed at the socio-economic empowerment of Moslem women and children ended in Accra on Sunday.

In an address read on behalf of Mrs Doris Otiwa Archampong, Greater Accra Regional Director of the National Centre for Civic Education (NCCE), she described the theme for the occasion, "Character of the Ideal Woman and her role in Society" as appropriate in view of contemporary focus at addressing issues of gender disparity that had "Pegged women to an under-dog status".

She charged women to play an active role in the efforts to achieve women's emancipation and said they must be prepared mentally and morally to overcome the odds and obstacles in the cause of the struggle ahead. Mrs Otiwa Archampong called on educated and well-placed Moslem women to act as role models in Zongo communities and to encourage the youth to uphold the standard values of Islam well grounded on the sound spiritual and moral teachings of the Holy Quran. She stressed the importance of secular education and advised Moslem women not waste their lives and resources on frivolous things especially fashion and to dress decently.

The NCCE Director said the ideal Moslem woman was, "The woman with a pleasant disposition; who is affectionate, compassionate, humble, modest, hard working and above all, who has the fear of Allah in her heart and is ready to pursue the path of knowledge and wisdom". She commended the Islamic Charity Centre for Women Orientation as one of the organisations that had been working hard to change the unsavoury perceptions about Zongo communities through the provision of quality education and urged the youth especially the females to "Go to school, stay in school and learn".

Hajiah Alima Mahama, Minister of Women and Children's Affairs, who was the Guest Speaker, advised Moslem women to take advantage of the various initiatives by the government to improve their socio-economic situation to enable them to care for their families and children well. They should also take the education of their children and wards seriously and explained that the government had introduced the capitation grant and the school feeding programme to reduce the burden on parents especially women and not as an alternative. Hajia Alima asked them to register with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to have access to affordable health-care and for their children below 18 years old.

The President of the Centre, Hajiah Aida Jibrin, in the commentary called on the people to worship only Allah (God) and not to put their faith in material things, saying, "Fear Allah because he owns all the heavens and all that is in", stressing that those who did not fear him he would destroy.

She urged Moslem women to use the Holy Quran for guidance and direction and said, "If you fear Allah the Holy Quran would prepare you".

Hajiah Aida asked them to be thankful to Allah for all the "good things that he has done for you" and to abide by his instructions to gain the reward of heaven.

She advised them to truthful at all times and to give equal care to children including those staying with them, the orphans and the needy. Concluding her commentary, which was on "Patience and Truth" she asked Moslem women to take the education of the children and wards seriously since that was one of the most important legacies they could bestow to them 07 Oct 07