a)

Parable of the sower

A sower went out to sow seeds. As he sowed, some of the seeds fell by the way side, and it was trampled upon, and the birds of the air ate it.

Some other seeds fell upon a rock, and as soon as it germinated, it withered away; because it lacked moisture since there roots were not deep enough in the ground.

Other seeds fell among thorns, and as the seeds germinated and grew, the thorns choked them.

Others fell on good ground / fertile soil , grew up, and bore fruits in hundredfold, sixtyfold and thirtyfold.

b)

Lessons that can be learnt from the parable

1.We must be doers of the Word of God and not hearers only (i.e., we must apply the Word of God to our lives after we have heard it)
2. We must obey our parents, teachers and elders and follow their guidance.
3. Whatever we are taught in school or at home, we must ensure that we understand it very well, in order to apply it properly.
4. We must practically apply the education we are given in school and at home.
5. We must not allow the enjoyable things of this world (such parties, gossips, TV, internet browsing, chatting, games) to draw us away from God / our parents / teachers.
6. We must not yield to ridicule (being laughed at) or persecution from others
7. We must be steadfast and strong in our faith.
8. We must not allow riches or hardships to deceive us to commit sin
9. We must persevere and not give up in the face of difficulties
10. We must not allow our friends or our enemies to make us commit evil

a)

How marriage rites are performed in Islam

Parents usually cooperate to select partners for their children from the Islamic faith.

The man does the asking although his mother's family initiates the proposal.

A matrimonial guardian(Wali) must be present at the legal representativive.

Necessary background checks are made to avoid prohibitive marriage.

The dowry (Mahr), which is determined by the woman’s family is paid in the form of money or property (sadaqi).

Kolanuts/sweets are shared to show that both families have agreed to the marrriage.

A wedding ceremony is performed by a licensed imam,Islamic priest or Muezzin almost immediately after the payment of the dowry.

The mimam reads from the fourth chapter of the Qu’ran and preaches on the importance of marriage.

In some instances, the couple are asked three times if they agree to be married.

Matrimoninal guardians serve as representatives.

The wedding feats follows, there is merry making.

Relatives and friends and well-wishers present gifts to the couple.

The bride istaken to her matrimonial home and test of chastity is conducted by her husband.

b)

Ways in which marriage rites are important

1. It Promotes good moral behavior.
2. It brings families together
3. It seals the marriage
4. It ushers the couple into a new stage of life/adulthood
5. It introduces the couple to the community
6. It promotes respect in the society
7. It gives confidence to the couple
8. It encourages responsible parenthood

a)

Process of offering libation

Libation is the pouring out of special liquids, especially alcoholic beverages, to a deity or the ancestors.

Libation is a way by which people pray to a deity

Those who qualify to offer libation include family heads, linguists, chiefs, fetish priests, etc

Libation is offered to the ancestors, lesser gods and spirits and to the Supreme God

The one who offers the libation must remove his hat and footwear as a sign of respect to the deity or ancestors and stands in front of the other members of the praying group

The prayers are said aloud to the hearing of all those present

The right hand is used in the offering of libation

The following procedures are followed:

Prelude: the capturing of the attention/ consent of the objects of worship.

Invocation: the spirits are invoked through rending.

Petition: petitions/requests are made unto the deity/ancestor to which prayers are being rendered.

Conclusion: Usually marked by the request for curses upon enemies and blessings upon sympathizers.

b)

Ways in which libation is important to the believer

1. To Offer thanksgiving and praises to the objects of worship ( Supreme God,lesser gods, ancestors etc)
2. To Seek protection from the deities
3. To request for blessings.

a)

Acts considered as good deeds

1. Running errands free of charge
2. Helping the aged and physically challenged to cross lorry roads.
3. Reporting criminals to the authorities or the police.
4. Helping to teach someone something he or she does not know
5. Participating in communal labour and general environmental cleanliness
6. Protecting social amenities and properties

b)

Types of reward a person may receive for doing good

1. Praises – words that show approval for something / Encouraging words
2. Recommendation – verbal or written notices showing how good someone is and therefore should be helped when in need
3. A good testimonial which is an account of an individual's character, academic performance, conduct and behavior.
4. Certificates – an official document which gives credence to facts about how a person qualifies or is capable of achieving something.
5. Awards – these include cash prices, books, scholarships, citations etc. Which is given to an individual in appreciation for hard work.
6. Trophies and medals – in some sports and other competitions, successful and disciplined winners are given medal in appreciation for their efforts.
7. Promotions to higher classes or grades for excellent or outstanding deeds.
8. Smiles
9. Pat on the back/shoulder/handshake
10. Citation/complementary cards
11. Say "thank you", "God bless you", etc. to show one's gratitude

a)

Ways of getting reconciled with one another

1. Forgiveness – pardoning the offender with no condition when remorse or confession or admission of guilt is made.
2. Be prepared to have misunderstanding or dispute resolved peacefully.
3. Avoid unnecessary arguments and disputes.
4. Use of dialogue devoid of vulgar language and mockery
5. Taking part in workshops and seminars on peace-building to develop skills for getting on well with others.
6. Being a role model by showing good character traits of respect, love, compassion etc.
7. Being sympathetic, tolerant and accommodative (open-mindedness)
8. Restoration, reparation, and payment of compensation
9. Admission of guilt and promise of not doing the wrong things again.

b)

Benefits of repentance

1. It leads to the release of guilt
2. It brings restoration of broken relationships
3. It promotes unity and peace
4. It leads to respect and trust in the individual
5. It enables a person to receive forgiveness
6. It helps save a person from eternal punishment

a)

Decency is an acceptable way of behavior in a given society or community. It includes habits that show respect, honesty etc towards people.

b)

Behaviours considered as decent

1. Decent and appropriate dressing
2. Proper eating habits and manners
3. Greeting the proper way
4. The use of polite words and tone in communication
5. Being respectful and showing appreciation

c)

Reasons for leading a decent life

1. It serves as the basis for gaining self-respect.
2. IT makes individuals gain respect from others
3. It makes one earn trust and confidence of others
4. It gets individuals closer to God/ It attracts blessings from God
5. It shows that people are well trained and brought up
6. The community expects members to be decent all the time
7. It promotes togetherness and peace in the society.

a)

Factors that promote good family relationship

1. Respect for one another regardless of age, social or economic status in the family.
2. Obeying the family rules and regulations, children must obey their parents and elders.
3. Good communication among members.
4. Cooperation and love other members of the family
5. Giving support to others in times of difficulties, e.g. financially etc.
6. Members must avoid selfishness and greed
7. Forgiveness to foster peace and unity among members.
8. Tolerance for each other in the family.

b)

Benefits of healthy relationships among family members

1. It promotes peace, unity and progress and happiness and all members feel free to communicate with one another.
2. The family gains respect from other families and become role model to them.
3. Members will work hard to defend and protect the good name of the family
4. It enables the weak and poor members to seek for help from privileged ones.
5. It ensures security against external aggression and attacks.
6. It promotes progress of the family.

a)

Religious youth organizations in Ghana

1. Scripture union
2. Catholic Youth organization
3. Methodist youth fellowship
4. Baptist youth Association
5. Pentecost Youth movement
6. Charismatic renewal
7. Young Men Christian Association (YMCA)
8. Young women Christian Association (YWCA)
9. Young people's Guild
10. Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Organization
11. Ahmadiyya Students Union
12. Muslim Youth Movement
13. Ghana Muslim Students Association
14. Asafo Companies

b)

Moral teachings of religious youth organizations

1. Members learn to be disciplined and avoid social vices.
2. They teach members to be committed to their faith.
3. Communal spirit and patriotism are learned by members.
4. They teach stewardship and need to care for others
5. They teach/ensure peace and stability in the community
6. They teach holiness
7. They instill sincerity in the people
8. They teach members to be courageous
9. They enforce unity and love
10. They teach the spirit of hard work
11. They teach members to persevere and endure
12. They teach members to be truthful and honest.