The Ethical Imperative of Islamic Studies in Mitigating Cybercrime Among Nigerian Youth: A Moral Education Perspective

Abstract

This study examines the potential of Islamic moral principles, particularly Taqwa (God-consciousness), Amanah (trustworthiness), and Qana'ah (contentment), as a framework for mitigating cybercrime among Nigerian youth, arguing that existing legal and educational approaches remain insufficient without theological grounding. Through textual analysis of Qur'anic verses (e.g., 4:58, 2:188) and Hadith (e.g., Sunan Ibn Majah 2223), coupled with empirical data on cybercrime trends, the research demonstrates how Islamic ethics deter digital misconduct by instilling divine accountability (Hisab) and internalized moral restraint, contrasting sharply with the materialistic impulses driving "Yahoo Yahoo" fraud. The study further evaluates the behavioral impact of Islamic education, revealing lower cybercrime susceptibility among madrasa-educated youth due to Tazkiyat al-Nafs (soul purification) practices, while proposing curriculum reforms that integrate cyber-ethics modules aligned with Maqasid al-Sharia objectives. Policy recommendations emphasize cross-sector collaboration between religious bodies, educators, and law enforcement to develop "Cyber-Fiqh" standards and teacher training programs, addressing implementation challenges such as secularized curricula and socioeconomic disparities. By bridging classical jurisprudence with contemporary digital challenges, this research advocates for an ethically transformative approach to cybersecurity, positioning Islamic pedagogy as a vital tool for fostering responsible digital citizenship in Nigeria's youth.