ÒÒRÈ NÍWỌ̀N (MODERATION TO GOODNESS) IN YORUBA CULTURAL ETHOS: THE ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

This paper examines Òòrè Níwọ̀n, a central Yoruba ethical maxim that advocates moderation in acts of kindness, and explores its alignment with Islamic teachings on moral balance. In Yoruba culture, generosity and communal solidarity are highly valued; however, unrestrained benevolence is recognized as potentially harmful to the giver, the recipient, and the wider community. Similarly, Islam, through the principle of الوسطية (al-wasatiyyah), promotes moderation in all spheres of human conduct, including charity, social interactions, and spiritual devotion. By employing a qualitative research design that integrates literature review, textual analysis, and cultural interpretation, the study highlights the conceptual and practical convergence between Yoruba ethical thought and Islamic moral philosophy. Fieldwork and ethnographic evidence demonstrate that Òòrè Níwọ̀n functions as a cultural tool for guiding responsible action, balancing generosity with wisdom, and sustaining social cohesion. The paper further shows that Islamic principles of moderation complement Yoruba ethical practices; reinforcing the importance of contextual judgment, communal responsibility, and moral discernment. Based on these findings, the study offers practical recommendations, including integrating moderation ethics into educational curricula, promoting culturally and religiously grounded moral education, incorporating moderation principles into leadership training, and encouraging balanced practices in family and community life. By bridging Yoruba cultural ethics and Islamic moral thought, this paper provides a framework for cultivating sustainable, socially responsible, and ethically conscious communities in contemporary society.