The Islamic Way of Youth Care by Muslim Leaders in the Three Southern-border Provinces of Thailand

Kasetchai Laeheem

doi:10.5539/ass.v9n10p160

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the Islamic way of youth care by Muslim leaders in the three southern-border provinces of Thailand, namely Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. The data was collected through brainstorming and critique meetings with 18 Muslim leaders, 18 youth representatives, 6 Muslim academicians, and 8 people from related local organizations. The data was analyzed using logical comparison with concepts, theories, and research reports while the context was analyzed through the grounded theory method. The results revealed that the Islamic way of youth care should be conducted with cooperation from all organizations and people who are concerned; youth should be given opportunities to participate in every step of the process; Muslim leaders should be encouraged to realize the importance of their roles and responsibilities for youth care; and a “Village Youth Club” should be established by using local a masjid as the center of operation. The club should have an administrative structure, concrete roles and responsibilities, and activities both in the religious and the social sectors that correspond with needs of the Muslim youth and are in line with Islamic principles.

Highlights

Muslim Thais lead a unique way of life just as other Muslims do around the world
The results revealed that the Islamic way of youth care should be conducted with cooperation from all organizations and people who are concerned; youth should be given opportunities to participate in every step of the process; Muslim leaders should be encouraged to realize the importance of their roles and responsibilities for youth care; and a “Village Youth Club” should be established by using local a masjid as the center of operation
Muslim Thai youth today are deviated from the correct way of Islamic life and cannot distinguish good from bad nor can they choose to do things that are suitable for their age

Summary

Introduction

Muslim Thais lead a unique way of life just as other Muslims do around the world. Muslim Thai youth today are deviated from the correct way of Islamic life and cannot distinguish good from bad nor can they choose to do things that are suitable for their age. They are obsessed with the modern way of life and so become slaves to the western values and culture that have infiltrated into the Muslim society and cannot seem to be stopped (Anmmajid, 2004; Laeheem & Baka, 2010). Islam has principles for all the details of life, that are believed to be the regime of God, including humans’ acceptance and surrender to God and the right attitude that humans should have for themselves, the world, and all things (Anmunajid, 2004)

Objectives

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Results

Conclusion