Islamic ethical formation plays an important role in shaping young people’s understanding of responsibility, lawful earning, solidarity, dignity, and community membership. In Northern Nigeria, however, these ethical commitments are negotiated within social environments characterised by uneven educational opportunities, economic insecurity, changing religious authority, and different forms of social exclusion. Existing discussions frequently examine Islamic moral education, youth unemployment, and violent extremism as separate issues, leaving insufficient attention to how young people themselves interpret religious teachings amid everyday economic and social pressures. This study examines the relationship between Islamic ethical formation, economic exclusion, and community belonging through a qualitative documentary and interpretive analysis of relevant scholarship, including ethnographic research on Qur’anic education in Northern Nigeria, studies of Islamic moral values among Nigerian youth, and recent research on religious education and violent conflict. The analysis identifies four interconnected themes: religious socialisation as a source of moral agency; economic exclusion as a challenge to dignity and responsible participation; community belonging as a potential source of support and recognition; and the importance of institutional credibility in shaping young people’s interpretations of religious teachings. The analysis suggests that Islamic ethical formation should not be understood as a simple protective or risk-producing factor. Its influence depends on how religious teachings are interpreted, how institutions practise the values they teach, and whether young people have meaningful opportunities to participate in social and economic life. The study contributes a proposed Ethical Formation–Inclusion–Belonging Framework for examining these relationships. It recommends participatory research involving young people, religious educators, families, and community organisations to test the framework empirically. The study does not claim that poverty or unemployment automatically leads to radicalisation; instead, it emphasises young people’s agency, the diversity of religious experiences, and the interaction between ethical commitments and structural conditions.
Tag: Northern Nigeria
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Exploring the Nexus between Islamic Household Management Principles and Home-Based Women Enterprises in Northern Nigeria
This study looks into how women-led home-based businesses in Northern Nigeria operate in regard to Islamic household management concepts. In particular, it looks at how female entrepreneurs incorporate important Islamic principles like ?adl (justice), i?tid?l/?isr?f avoidance (moderation), and barakah (blessing) into their household and microbusiness management. In many Northern Nigerian villages, women are increasingly working in small-scale jobs including food processing, crafts, and tailoring to help support their families. While Islamic teachings provide a thorough framework for striking a balance between economic endeavours and household responsibilities, little empirical study has examined how women who own micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) really implement these concepts in their dual roles. In Bauchi, Gombe, and Kaduna States, a purposive sample of twenty women running home-based MSMEs in a variety of trades participated in a qualitative multiple-case research. Semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and the examination of personal and professional documents were used to gather data. To find trends in the distribution of profits, time management, resource allocation, and social duties, thematic analysis was used. The results show that women entrepreneurs’ daily choices are greatly influenced by Islamic values. Participants established shared-storage practices in line with Islamic moderation, prioritized halal sourcing, and reduced waste through group purchases. Maintaining balance between work, religion, and childcare was made easier by planning work schedules around daily prayers. With a methodical allocation to home needs, business reinvestment, zakat responsibilities, and voluntary charity, profit distribution techniques also mirrored Islamic standards of fairness. The study comes to the conclusion that Islamic household management concepts offer a useful moral and practical framework that improves the long-term viability of women-owned businesses. In Northern Nigeria, strengthening these practices through women-focused support programs, faith-based business training, and community microfinance can further foster local economic development and family resilience.