SWOT Analysis : A Tool for Achieving Religious Uprightness by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

Presently, all over the world, the debate is on the relevant status of religion in the present era of moral decadence. It is surprising to see the defectiveness of the rule of law or sharia in the developed world as it is measurable through a high degree of orderliness and productivity. It is equally surprising to note that religion is never a dominant factor in these countries. Objective observers from Islamic perspectives submit that in this context, Islam by the scripture is at work in the developed world with low or no number of Muslim population, but in countries where religion dominates to determine the politics, economic and social affairs of the people; Musilms dominate without Islamic tenets via the stand of the cripute protending no Islam. People erroneously conclude that religion has failed humanity, whereas it is mankind that treats religion with impunity to the detriment of the expected benefits of offering just worship. The common factor for the lapses is falsehood in place of truth. If we are to go by the dictates of the Holy Quran 2 : 42-44, ''Cover no Truth with falsehood, nor conceal the Truth when ye know what it is. And be steadfast in prayer, give zakaat and bow down in worship. Do ye enjoy right conduct in the people, and forget to practise it yourselves, and yet ye study scripture? Do ye not understand?''

There is a need for all of us to SWOT analyze ourselves and identify our class for ease of adjustment into adaptive learning for maximum development of our body and soul. The Holy Bible Mark 4 : 11-12 is a good reference to this with the implication of fatal consequences on any act of disobedience to the command of God via scripture upholding the religion of one's choice, realizing that no religion teaches evil. ''11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: 12 That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.'' All of them are to correct aberrations and set us on the path of righteousness driven by moral discipline, I and you to achieve due process with zero tolerance for corruption and institutional indiscipline. Finally, therefore, the Holy Quran 2 : 45-46 must become our watchwords to walk the talk to maximally achieve our socio-spiritual desires. ''Nay seek Allah's help with patient perseverance and prayer : It is indeed hard except to those who are humble, who bear in mind the certainty that they are to meet their Lord, and that they are to return to Him.''