Volume 7, Number 4

Impact of Islam as a Social Tool for Reforming Inmates: A Case Study of Ife Prison Inmates

  Authors

Muhammad Abiodun Fagbenro, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria

  Abstract

Religion is a universal phenomenon and is a social tool in most part of the world we live in today. Several studies has clearly shown that spirituality is sufficient enough to rehabilitate and reform humans in as much as they seek it (religion) and are ready to go by its dictates. This study investigated the impact of Islam as a tool for reforming prison inmates using Ile-Ife, Osun state prison as a case study. A qualitative research methodology was used whereby oral interviews were carried out and questionnaires were issued. The population used for the study comprised of 20 inmates from an only-male prison in Ile-ife, Nigeria. The data collected through questionnaires were analyzed using frequency, tables and percentage. The findings revealed that Islam has been very useful in reforming the inmates of Ife prison. Muslim missionaries have helped in establishing good relationships, end disputes and foster love between convicts and their families. The study revealed that the impact of I am and the activities of Muslim missionaries in curbing crime and reforming inmates have been great but lack of empirical data makes it difficult to quantify or measure this development.

  Keywords

Islam, inmates, prison, crime, Muslim, Missionaries, reformation.