Exploring Spiritual Engagement Among Youth In High-Risk Areas

Abstract

This study examines the spiritual and religious engagement of young people in high-risk neighborhoods to uncover their role as internal protective mechanisms against substance abuse. Through qualitative research, the study explores participants' perspectives and practices related to spirituality. The findings reveal a nuanced understanding of spirituality, with religious devotion and internalization emerging as prominent themes for nearly a third of participants (29.35% overall). The importance of connecting with Allah, fostering inner strength, ethical considerations, and the intertwined pursuit of self-knowledge and knowledge of God are emphasized and comprise about one-fifth, nearly one-fifth, about 15%, and nearly 12% of participants, respectively. In addition, religious practices such as obligatory prayer, recitation of ma'thurat, participation in zikir and reading religious texts, especially the Qur'an, are widely practiced among the participants. These practices are practiced by more than 30%, about 22%, over 17% and about 15% of the participants, respectively. These findings highlight the multiple ways in which religious engagement fosters discipline, spiritual empowerment, leadership, community support and personal reflection, and is thus a critical component in promoting healthy lifestyles and resilience to substance abuse among youth in a high-risk environment.