The Place of Security in Islam: A Study of Muslim Communities in Southwestern Nigeria

Perspectives on security and assess their impact on the daily lives of Muslim communities. The study adopts a mixed-method approach, combining questionnaires, interviews, and direct observation across selected Muslim communities in Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ondo and Ekiti States. Data were analyzed descriptively and thematically to present both statistical and interpretive insights. Findings reveal that Islamic principles play a major role in shaping community security consciousness. Mosques, religious leaders, and Islamic organizations contribute significantly to peace-building, moral discipline, and conflict resolution. Nonetheless, issues such as unemployment, poor religious education, and poverty remain major threats to security. The study concludes that ensuring security is both a religious and social responsibility in Islam. It recommends enhanced religious enlightenment, youth empowerment, and collaboration between Muslim leaders and government agencies to promote peace and stability across Muslim communities in Southwestern Nigeria.

Islam, Security, Muslim Communities

1. Abdulhamid, R. (2017), The Responsibilities of Muslim Women in Dealing with Security Challenges in Nigeria, Wawasan: Jurnal Ilmiah Agama dan Sosial Budaya, 2(2), 156–165. journal.uinsgd.ac.id [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Ajuru, K. N. & Etido-Inyang, E. (2021), Issues of National Security and Human Rights in Nigeria: A Case Study of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 11(1), Scholar Publishing [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Aladire, M.J.I. (2021), National Security and Religious Tolerance in Nigeria, in International Journal / David Publishing (article), David Publishing Company [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Alao, A. (2023), Religion, Public Health and Human Security in Nigeria, London: Routledge. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Alaoluwa, O. S. (2022), The Yorùbá’s Peacefulness Enhanced by Informal Institutions, Authorea Journal article, authorea.com [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Aal-Qaraḍāwī, Yūsuf, (1997), Economic Security in Islam, Lahore: Islamic Book Service. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Babura, I. A. I. & Aliyu, S. U. (2020?), Jigawa State College of Remedial & Advanced Studies, Security Dimension of Zakat: Mitigating Social Unrest and Promoting Sustainable Communities, Al-Hiwar Jurnal Ilmu dan Teknik Dakwah, 13(1), jurnal.uin-antasari.ac.id [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Bonino, S. & Ricucci, R. (eds.), (2021), Islam and Security in the West, Cham: Palgrave Macmillan / Springer. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Busari, J.M. (2024), Islam in Yorubaland, Southwest Nigeria: A Historical Overview, Al-Qanatir / Journal article, al-qanatir.com [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Busayri, S. M. & Fahm, A. O. (2022), Curtailing the Security Challenges in Nigeria: Lessons from the Qur’ānic Story of Dhu al-Qarnayn, Journal Syariah, 31(2), ejournal.um.edu.my+1 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Busayri, S. M. & Fahm, A. O. (2023), Curtailing the Security Challenges in Nigeria: Lessons from the Qur’ānic Story of Dhu al-Qarnayn, in Jurnal Syariah / Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu Ushuluddin (article), ejournal.um.edu.my [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Chetima, M. & Lovejoy, P. E. (2006), Boko Haram, Islamic Protest and National Security, Africa World Press, africaworldpressbooks.com [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Chiebonam, A.T.V. (2019), Religion and Insecurity in Nigeria: A Critical Overview, International Journal of African Humanities (article), ezenwaohaetorc.org [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. Dauda, I.A. (2025), An Overview of Islamic Education for Peace and Security, Al-Risalah/ Journal article, jurnal.uia.ac.id [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. Enor, F. N. & etal, (2019), Contending Perspectives and Security Implications of Herdsmen Activities in Nigeria, in International Journal of Research-GranthaAlayah, 7(7), Granthaalayah Publishing [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

16. Hasnan, S. (ed.), (2015), Human Security and Philanthropy: Islamic Perspectives and Muslim Majority Country Practices, Cham: Springer. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

17. Ilerhunmwuwa, I. (2025), Understanding the Emergence and Impact of Boko Haram: Internal Displacement and Responses, Journal article, scienceopen.com [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

18. Jasser A. (2007), Maqāsid al-Sharī‘ah: A Beginner’s Guide, Publisher: International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

19. Kamali, M. H. (2008), The Right to Life, Security, Privacy and Ownership in Islam, Cambridge: Islamic Texts Society. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

20. Mazen, H. (2025) (1446 AH), Maqāsid al-Sharī‘ah: A Civilizational Perspective, Publisher: International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

21. Montclos, M.-A. Pérouse de (ed.) (2014), Boko Haram: Islamism, Politics, Security and the State in Nigeria, Leiden: African Studies Centre, Peace Research Institute Oslo [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

22. Muhammad, S. I. I. (2020), Maqāsid Al-Sharī‘ah in Islamic Finance: Theory and Application, Publisher: Penerbit UNISZA. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

23. Olayinka, A., & Adebayo, R.I. (2019), The Role of Islam in Community Trade in Coastal Yorubaland, International Journal (article), IJID Journal [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

24. Shaibu, M. A. (ed.) (2022), Political Leadership, Religion and National Security in Nigeria: Examining Ethno-Religious Conflicts, Newcastle upon Tyne: Cambridge Scholars Publishing. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

25. Shaibu, M. A. (ed.). (2022), Political Leadership, Religion and National Security in Nigeria: Examining Ethno-Religious Conflicts. Newcastle upon Tyne: Cambridge Scholars Publishing. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

26. Sodiq, Y. (2017), A History of the Application of Islamic Law in Nigeria, Cham: Springer. SpringerLink [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

27. Stefano, B. & Roberta, R. (2021), Islam and Security in the West edited by Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan (Cham). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

28. U.S. Department of State, (2023), 2023 Report on International Religious Freedom: Nigeria, U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of State [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

29. WAPOSO series, (2019), Boko Haram: Islamism, Politics, Security and the State in Nigeria, Publisher: Institut Français de Recherche en Afrique (IFRA) / University of Ibadan. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

30. Yahya, S. A. & Shittu, A. D. (2025), The Dynamics of Islamic Law in Times of Crisis: Nigerian Muslims’ Perceptions of Socially Distanced Ṣalāh During the Pandemic, Hayula: Indonesian Journal of Multidisciplinary Islamic Studies, 9(2), jour [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

31. Yusuf, A. B. & Azeez, O. R. (2022), Dimensions of Islamophobia in Nigeria: Causes and Solutions, MAQOLAT: Journal of Islamic Studies, 2(4). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

32. Yusuf, AbdulHameed Badmas & Azeez, Olalekan Rasheed. (2022), A Study of Dimensions of Islamophobia in Nigeria: Causes and Solutions. MAQOLAT: Journal of Islamic Studies, 2(4), maqolat.com [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• Prophetic Ethics and Moral Resilience: An Innovative Framework for Navigating Contemporary Tribulations
• Pedagogically Informed ICT Integration and Students’ Academic Learning in Islamic Education at Dato Harun National Secondary School