Tamale Chronicles: Is Islamic Dawah in Ghana Delivering the Transformation Society Needs?

Across many Muslim communities in Ghana, including Tamale, a quiet conversation is emerging among educated and thoughtful Muslims: Is contemporary Islamic preaching achieving its intended purpose? Many believers remain deeply committed to Islam and value the guidance of scholars. However, there is growing concern that some forms of preaching have become dominated by anger, fear, condemnation, and public performance rather than compassion, wisdom, and character development.

The question is not whether Islam should be preached. The question is: how should the message of Islam be delivered in a way that transforms hearts and improves society? The Qur'an provides a powerful foundation for this discussion. When Allah sent Prophet Musa (Moses) to confront Pharaoh, one of history's most arrogant rulers, Allah instructed him: "And speak to him with gentle speech that perhaps he may be reminded or fear Allah." (Qur'an 20:44). This verse carries a profound lesson. Pharaoh represented tyranny, oppression, and rebellion against God. Yet even he was to be approached with gentleness. If Allah had the power to force Pharaoh into submission, why did He instruct Moses to use gentle speech? The answer may lie in the nature of faith itself. Genuine belief cannot be manufactured through intimidation. It must involve understanding, reflection, and willingness.

Does Volume Equal Effectiveness?
One of the most noticeable features of some contemporary preaching is the excessive use of loudspeakers, aggressive tones, and emotional intensity. While passion has a place in religious communication, psychology and communication studies have repeatedly shown that shouting does not necessarily produce persuasion. Effective communication requires empathy, understanding of the audience, and emotional intelligence.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was known for his patience, humility, and ability to connect with people. The Qur'an describes him: "It is by Allah's mercy that you are gentle with them. Had you been harsh and hard-hearted, they would have dispersed from around you." (Qur'an 3:159). This verse presents a fundamental leadership principle: harshness drives people away. A preacher may win an argument but lose a heart.

Who Qualifies to Lead Dawah?
A major concern in many Muslim communities today is the ease with which individuals assume religious authority. Does the ability to read Arabic, quote Qur'anic verses, or memorize Hadith automatically qualify someone to guide society? Religious knowledge is important, but effective preaching requires much more.

A modern preacher operates in a complex world. He encounters people struggling with depression, addiction, family breakdown, unemployment, social pressures, and moral confusion. Therefore, a competent religious leader requires training in communication skills, psychology, counselling, conflict resolution, youth development, ethics, comparative religion, and social realities. Knowledge without wisdom can sometimes create more problems than solutions. Islam itself emphasizes competence. The Prophet Muhammad warned that when responsibilities are given to those who are not qualified, society suffers, as is evident in Tamale and most Muslim communities across Ghana.

The Need for Standards in Religious Leadership

Many professions have regulatory standards. Doctors, lawyers, teachers, and engineers undergo structured training before serving the public. Religious leadership also influences human behaviour and social stability. Should it not equally demand preparation and accountability?

This does not mean government control of religion. Rather, Muslim communities themselves must strengthen institutions that identify, train, and mentor those who engage in public preaching. The question should not only be: "Does he know the Qur'an?" It should also be: "Does he understand people?"; "Does his preaching create better citizens?"; "Does he inspire honesty, kindness, responsibility, and peaceful coexistence?"

Religion, Noise, and Respect for Neighbours

Ghana is a religiously diverse country. Muslims, Christians, and followers of traditional beliefs live together in communities. The issue of religious sound is therefore not about restricting worship. It is about balancing religious freedom with the rights of others. The decision by Saudi Arabia to regulate the use of loudspeakers during prayers was justified by officials on grounds including protecting the elderly, children, and sick persons from excessive disturbance. Similar conversations are legitimate in Ghana.

The call to prayer is an important Islamic practice. However, Islam itself teaches consideration for neighbours. The Prophet Muhammad said: "The believer is not one who eats his fill while his neighbour goes hungry." The principle extends beyond food. A believer should be conscious of how his actions affect others. Local assemblies can develop reasonable noise regulations that protect worship while ensuring harmony in multi-religious communities. If the Saudis did it, why not us who copied?

Fear-Based Religion versus Love-Based Worship

Another important issue is the content of preaching. Some sermons appear heavily centered on punishment, hellfire, and fear. Others focus excessively on descriptions of paradise pleasures. While the Qur'an contains warnings and promises, Islam also presents worship as an expression of love, gratitude, and recognition of God's greatness. The Qur'an says: "If you are grateful, I will surely increase you." (Qur'an 14:7).

A mature believer does not worship Allah only because of fear of punishment or desire for reward. A believer worships because of love, gratitude, and awareness of dependence on the Creator. The Prophet Muhammad said: "I was sent only to perfect noble character." This statement is central. The success of religious teaching should be measured by the character it produces.

• Does preaching create people who are honest in business?
• Does it create responsible parents and husbands?
• Does it reduce corruption?
• Does it encourage kindness towards neighbours?
• Does it produce young people who respect human dignity?
• Does it prohibit wives from engaging in extra-marital affairs?

If the answer is no, then religious educators must ask difficult questions about their methods.

Youth, Religious Performance, and Security Concerns

Another emerging concern is the presentation style of some religious programmes, where young men appear in military-style clothing or act as security escorts for preachers. Although such appearances may have different explanations, societies must remain alert to the possibility that impressionable young people can be attracted to extremist interpretations when religious identity becomes mixed with displays of power and aggression. International experience with extremist groups shows that radicalization often exploits feelings of belonging, anger, and misunderstood religious commitment. Therefore, responsible religious education must promote peace, intellectual curiosity, tolerance, and respect for human life.

The Missing Ingredient: Feedback
One of the weaknesses in many religious institutions is the absence of honest feedback. A preacher should not only ask, "How many people attended my sermon?" Or boast about how large his following is. Quality it should be, not quantity, and we all know that. He should ask: "Are people becoming better because of my message?"

"Are marriages improving?" "Are young people becoming more responsible --- shunning drug, alcohol, and narcotics?" "Are people becoming more compassionate --- loving one’s brother as himself?" “Are we jubilating when the next house crumbles to the ground or sleep hungry?” Are we not on talking terms because I am Andani and he is Abudu; or, he is NPP and I am NDC?

A doctor judges success by the recovery of patients. A teacher judges success by the progress of students. A preacher should judge success by transformed character. Let us answer these questions sincerely, for Allah is closer to us than our jugular vein is. In all things, He is Knower. Many of us are hypocritical. We talk about the Hereafter, but we do not show that we are aware we are going to be judged for all our actions and inactions.

My Thoughts: Reforming Dawah for the Modern Age

Islam does not need louder voices. It needs wiser voices. It does not need more performers. It needs more teachers. It does not need messages that frighten people away. It needs messages that bring people closer to Allah and closer to one another.

The future of Islamic preaching in Ghana depends on developing scholars and preachers who combine religious knowledge with wisdom, communication skills, social understanding, and compassion.

The Prophet Muhammad transformed society not because he shouted the loudest, but because he touched hearts. That remains the standard. The strongest argument is not that preaching should be reduced; rather, it is that preaching must evolve from mere information delivery into transformational leadership.

“Lakum deenu kum wa liya deen” … for you is your religion, and for me is my religion. This final verse of Suratul Kafirun (Chapter 109:6) is often understood as a statement of religious non-compulsion and separation of faith commitments --- that sincere belief cannot be forced. And that people are accountable for their own choices.

FUSEINI ABDULAI BRAIMAH
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