International Journal of Language and Linguistics Vol. 4, No. 4, December 2017 200 A Comperative Analysis of Virtue- Based Content for Youth in Two Epics in Swahili: Siraji and Adili Ms Jackline Gwako, Prof. Rayya Timammy Department of Kiswahili University of Nairobi Kenya Dr. Hezron Mogambi School of Journalism University of Nairobi Kenya Abstract This paper analyses morals to the boychild that are espoused in the Siraji and Adili epics. In this paper, we were guided by the moral theory that aims at using literary works in solving societal problems and generating a cohesive society. This paper aimed at discussing how the composers of these epics - Kijumwa and Robert – in Siraji and Adili respectively addressed the morality issue in young men. We have also compared and contrasted how the two poets, Kijumwa and Robert, addressed the morality issue in their epics and we have thus finally established their points of agreement and departures. After research that entailed reading and analyzing the two epics – Siraji and Adili- we have noted that we were right in our claim that both Kijumwa and Robert have discussed issues of morality among the young men and that they have agreed and differed in one way or the other. Finally, it was noted that these two epics are closely thematically related as the two composers, Kijumwa and Robert, have linked the morality issues with the Islamic religious teachings. It is for the reason that we have analysed our data by providing further evidence from Siraji and Adili as well as the Holy Quran. Furthermore, the paper notes that the points of departure in articulation of the morality issues between these two poets are borne of their own opinions and experiences in life dependent on the environments they interacted with. Keywords: Swahili, Epics, Virtues, Morality, Youth, Advice 1.1 Introduction The Siraji epic was composed by Mohammad Kijumwa in 1927. This epic has 209 stanzas and its subject matter is a fatherly advice by Kijumwa to his son coupled with the religious teachings and social moral guidance. It was composed for his son, Helewa, so that it serves as a guide to him towards better living and so that he can share the same with the other people on earth. Kijumwa has given his son some piece of advice on how to coexist well with the people around him so as to maintain a good relationship with God and the society at large considering that in the absence of God there is nothing that man can attempt to fruition. He advises him to take serious the advice and apply into his entire life from childhood, through marriage and finally as a parent. Furthermore, he has advised him on how cultivate good relationship with his relatives, neighbours, friends, the rich, the poor as well as the (physically challenged). The Adili epic on the other hand was composed by the seasoned poet, Shaaban Robert, and kept in the book Pambo la Lugha (1966). This epic has 100 stanzas. In the epic, Robert advises his son, Adili. He has guided him to live a moral life. He advises him to respect God, be respectful and obedient, respect parents, avoid laziness, avoid backbites, the importance of education, taking care of himself, managing time, perseverance and true love in marriage among others. The issues articulated by these two poets are of immense relevance to the society as they warn and guide them as youth in their lives. We chose the two epics – Siraji and Adili – owing to their close similarities and have not been referred to by earlier researchers. The advices given by both Kijumwa and Robert to their sons are drawn from Islamic religious teachings with main aim of having the advices as guides to their moral living and so that they can equally morally guide the society. 1.2 Problem Statement