Corruption and Corruption Control from Islamic Discourse: Nigeria in Focus

Corruption is a universal problem for all societies and all governments, the magnitude seems to be at its peak in African Countries generally and specifically Nigeria. Unfortunately, the menace affects both the leadership and the led. This is rooted from the moral and religious laxity of majority of the adherents of Islam, Christianity and Traditional Religion. Every leadership in the country; be it democratic or religious has often been seen to comprise of corrupt individuals who do not see their positions as a trust from Allah (SWT) and a sendee to humanity but avenues for personal aggrandizement. This attitude of the citizens has caused a lot of damages to Nigeria as a nation. It is divinely imperative to eradicate corruption in view of it evils on both human life and spiritual development. Islam has played a crucial role in the fight against this unfortunate evil. It is against this background, that this paper surveys the historical assessment of corruption in Nigeria, examines the Islamic position on corruption and recommends possible Islamic solution as illustrated in the Qur'an and the sayings of the Prophet (pbuh). The paper concludes that the Islamic approach to corruption is holistic in nature as the general foundation of the entire human existence and success in this world and the hereafter is structured under the fear of God and the belief in accountability which should be a pillar in controlling the menace of corruption in Nigeria.