Addressing Moral Decadence among Nigerian Youths through the Inspirational Biography of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)

Abstract

Youths are energetic members in any human society. They exude extraordinary potentials required for the growth and development of the society. However, there is a tendency for them to abuse these opportunities that come with their potentials. This is largely due to immoral acts they engage in such as alcoholism, drug abuse, cybercrime, etc. In the recent time, most Nigerian youths have been exposed to those immoral acts which have reduced them to an existential liability, as against being a potential asset, to the nation. The government has made several efforts at making the youth responsible members of the society in view of their potential qualities to be the leaders of tomorrow. However, all efforts seem to be in futility. Therefore, this paper seeks to explore the biography of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as a veritable tool to address moral decadence among the youths. The idea is to highlight some moral values which the Prophet (SAW) exhibited as a youth while growing up in Makkah where he was nick-named al-Amin (i.e., the trustworthy) even before his Prophethood. The paper is based on a biographical work written by Fethullah Gulen due to the moralistic approach employed by the author in documenting events in the life of the Prophet (SAW). To achieve this objective, historical and analytical methods are used. It concludes by recommending that biographers of the Prophet (SAW) should highlight moral qualities in his life to project him as a role model for the youths.