The Framework of Morality in Islam: A Case Study of Selected Secondary School Students in South-West Nigeria

Abstract

Islam is both a comprehensive belief system and a complete way of life. It provides guidance for individuals and the entire community in a balanced and rational manner, ensuring that the rights and welfare of every member of society are duly upheld. Furthermore, Islam articulates a comprehensive system of personal moral codes that delineates explicit and exemplary guidelines for ethical conduct. Adherence to these moral prescriptions is expected of every individual throughout the span of their lives. Consequently, deviation from the doctrines enshrined in the Glorious Qur’an is understood to result into moral and spiritual misguidance. Accordingly, the present study seeks to investigate whether statistically significant differences exist across gender, school type, and level of study among the respondents with respect to their morality. A cross-sectional research design was adopted to address the research objectives. A sample of 365 respondents was randomly selected from the target population and completed a researcher-developed questionnaire. The findings revealed statistically significant differences based on school type and level of study. However, gender did not exhibit a statistically significant influence on students’ to morality scale. These results underscore the critical roles of parents in inculcating Islamic moral values in their children, as such early socialisation processes substantially shape behavioural outcomes later in life.