Dacwah, Sustainable Democracy, and National Development: An Islamic Ethical Framework for Political Participation in Lagos State

Abstract: Islamic religious scholars are entrusted with the responsibility of guiding the Muslim community toward righteousness in all aspects of life e.g. spiritual, social, economic, and political. In Nigeria, and particularly in Lagos State, the democratic process has been undermined by unhealthy political practices, including electoral violence, political imposition, and inadequate stakeholder consultation. These issues have contributed to widespread political apathy and disengagement among citizens. This study examines the role of Islamic propagation (Dacwah) as a potential instrument for promoting sustainable democracy and fostering national development. Employing a qualitative methodology and meta-analytical approach, the paper draws on Qur’ānic injunctions and the Prophetic tradition to highlight Islamic ethical principles relevant to governance, civic responsibility, and political engagement. Through a contextual analysis of Lagos’s socio-political environment, the study argues that the absence of moral and spiritual guidance has significantly contributed to leadership crises and declining public trust in democratic institutions. It proposes Dacwah as a moral framework capable of addressing electoral misconduct, political disengagement, and governance failures. The paper concludes by recommending the integration of religious ethics into civic education, the promotion of interfaith dialogue, and the strengthening of partnerships between religious institutions and government bodies to enhance democratic participation and national development.