Approaches to promoting Islamic ethics in adherence to the faith among Thai Muslim youths in Pattani province, Southern Thailand

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate approaches to promoting Islamic ethics in adherence to the faith among Thai Muslim youths. Data were collected through brain- storming meetings, focus group discussions, and critique meetings with 10 representatives from each group of religious leaders, local leaders, core youth leaders, and parents, totaling 40 representatives. Then, content analysis was performed on the data using comparative logic of concepts, theories, research reports, and context. The study found that the approach to promoting Islamic ethics in adherence to the faith among Thai Muslim youths was to use a program for promoting Islamic ethics for faith-based socialization, which is a program that applies Islamic principles in modern activities that correspond to youth interests. The program places emphasis on religious practice, providing opportunities for parents to participate, creating motivation, arranging Islamic environments that contribute to Islamic ethical promotion, and conducting activities step-by-step regularly and continuously. The results of this study would be beneficial to promoting Muslim youths to have stronger Islamic ethics in adherence to the faith and would be one way of solving, preventing, and reducing the problems among youths of a lack of Islamic ethics in devotion to the faith.