An Islamic scholar, Ustaz Shaf'ee Badmos, yesterday called on Muslim parents to devise means of encouraging their children to appreciate the values of sound moral education.

The cleric made the call while delivering a lecture entitled "Signs of the Last Hours" during the monthly soul-searching programme of the Organisation of Thadamunul Muslimeen (OTM) the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter.

Badmos, who observed that some parents are contributing to the prevalence of moral decadence in the contemporary society, said children can be properly guided by their parents as one of the vital agents of socialisation.

He said parents who engage in prostitution, adultery and alcoholism among other societal vices are only encouraging their wards to do the same, stressing that no society will attain its lofty height if the family institution is deeply rooted in corruption.

"Any child who dresses well should not be discouraged by parents under the guise of modern civilisation. There have been cases whereby parents will buy immoral dresses that will expose sensitive part of the body for their children. Any attempt by any of the children to reject them will be met with reprimand.

"This is bad and should be discouraged by all. Parents should be agents and advocates of morally inclined child upbringing not immorality or indecency. We must appreciate our true African culture that encourages decent dresses," he said.

Speaking on the lecture, the cleric said that one of the signs of the last hours is the current phenomenon that encourages emergence of incompetent people as leaders.

"Those at the helm of affairs are not supposed to be there. They are forcing themselves on the people. We shouldn't be surprised because it is one of the signs of the last hours which is also prevalent in our society," he added.