Guidelines for correcting behavior incongruent with the Islamic way of life among risk groups of Muslim youth in the three southern border provinces of Thailand

Abstract

     The purpose of this study was to draw up guidelines for correcting behavior incongruent with the Islamic way of life among risk groups in the three southern border provinces of Thailand. The data were collected through brainstorming sessions and critique meetings with 30 representatives of youths with risk behavior, 30 representatives of Muslim leaders, and 30 representatives of Muslim academics. The data were analyzed content wise based on logical principles and compared with related concepts, theories, and research reports along with the context, and based on the grounded theory. The study found that guidelines for correcting behavior incongruent with the Islamic way of life among Muslim youths with risk behavior in the three southern border provinces were to use the wisdom approach or "Al-Hikmah" consisting of six main activities: 1) getting to know or "At­ Ta'aruf'; 2) seeking knowledge or "Al-Ilmu"; 3) self-assessment or "Al-Muhasabah"; 4) reviving and changing behavior or "At-Tajdid"; 5) improving the mind or "At-Tahdib"; and 6) organizing a last orientation or "Al-Wadah". The findings of this study would be beneficial in correcting misbehavior and promoting behavior in line with the Islamic way of life, and they would also be one way of preventing and reducing problems associated with behavior incongruent with the Islamic way of life among Muslim youths.