Islamic Perspectives on Corruption and Anti-Corruption Behaviour Among Muslim Civil Servants in Abuja, FCT

This study examines Islamic perspectives on corruption and investigates the relationship between Islamic ethical orientation and anti-corruption behaviour among Muslim civil servants in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. Corruption remains one of Nigeria's most persistent governance challenges, and the role of religious ethical commitment in modulating public sector behaviour has received limited empirical attention. The study employs a quantitative survey design using the Islamic Ethical Orientation Scale alongside a validated corruption propensity measure, administered to 320 Muslim civil servants drawn from five federal ministries. Data are analysed using structural equation modelling. Findings indicate that Islamic ethical orientation (measured across Taqwa, accountability to Allah, and Islamic professional duty dimensions) significantly and negatively predicts corruption propensity, even after controlling for demographic and institutional variables. However, weak institutional accountability systems and perceived impunity for corruption moderate the relationship, reducing the protective effect of individual religious ethics. A significant research gap addressed is the interaction between individual Islamic ethics and systemic governance environment in Nigerian public institutions. The study recommends the integration of Islamic anti-corruption ethics into federal civil service induction programmes, strengthened institutional accountability mechanisms, and further research on faith-based anti-corruption interventions. Keywords: Islamic ethics, corruption, Muslim civil servants, public administration, Abuja FCT.