Amidst the swift currents of digitalisation, Generation Z has emerged\nas the generation closest to technology, yet also the most familiar with\nvarious forms of psychological pressure. The relentless flow of\ninformation, the culture of comparison on social media, academic and\nprofessional competition, and the demand for constant productivity have\ngiven rise to a paradox: the ease of modern life is often accompanied by\nincreased anxiety and a crisis of meaning. Many young people end up\nliving merely to \u2018survive\u2019, rather than to truly \u2018live\u2019 life itself.<\/p>\n
This phenomenon brings to mind an expression by Buya Hamka that\nremains relevant beyond his era: \u2018If living is just to live, wild boars\nin the forest also live. If working is just to work, monkeys also\nwork.\u2019<\/p>\n
This statement is not merely harsh rhetoric, but a philosophical\ncritique of a life that has lost its orientation. Hamka urged humanity\nto realise that human distinction lies not in the ability to survive,\nbut in the capacity to give meaning to life. Humans are endowed with\nintellect, heart, and spiritual values so that every step has a purpose\nthat transcends biological or material interests.<\/p>\n
The reality for Generation Z today shows that the measure of success\nis often reduced to numbers: grade point averages, social media follower\ncounts, salary figures, or career achievements at a young age. Digital\nculture has even fostered uniform standards of success, making it easy\nfor someone to feel left behind when observing the accomplishments of\nothers. In such a situation, life turns into a race without a finish\nline. Productivity is worshipped, while inner peace becomes a\nrarity.<\/p>\n
Yet, Islam views life from a much deeper perspective. Allah SWT says:\n\u2018And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.\u2019 (QS.\nAz-Zariyat: 56). This verse indicates that human existence has a\ntranscendental dimension. In Islam, worship is not merely interpreted as\nritual, but encompasses all activities carried out with righteous\nintention and for the common good. Studying diligently, working\nprofessionally, conducting research, developing knowledge, and building\ncivilisation are all forms of devotion to Allah when founded on\nsincerity and moral responsibility.<\/p>\n
In this context, Hamka\u2019s message becomes increasingly relevant. A\nmeaningful life is not one merely filled with activities, but one with a\nvalue-based orientation. Busyness without purpose only breeds\nexhaustion, whereas activity grounded in meaning fosters tranquillity\nand benefit.<\/p>\n
The Prophet Muhammad SAW also affirmed: \u2018The best of people are those\nwho are most beneficial to others.\u2019 (HR. Ahmad). This hadith shifts the\nparadigm of success from individual orientation to social orientation. A\nperson\u2019s success is not solely measured by what they have accumulated,\nbut by the benefit they bring to their surroundings. This perspective is\ncrucial when Generation Z lives within a culture that often highlights\npersonal achievement over social contribution.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, Hamka\u2019s thought teaches that modern progress should not\nerode the human spiritual dimension. Technological advancement is a\ntool, not an end goal. Digital intelligence must be balanced with moral\nintelligence, information literacy must go hand in hand with faith\nliteracy, and the ability to adapt must be accompanied by the ability to\nmaintain integrity. Without this foundation, progress will only produce\nindividuals who are technically capable but mentally and spiritually\nfragile.<\/p>\n
Indonesia needs a young generation that is not only adaptive to\nchange but also capable of upholding human and Islamic values. A\ngeneration that does not easily dissolve into instant culture, does not\nmake public validation a measure of self-worth, and is able to use\nknowledge as a path to benefit society.<\/p>\n
In the end, Buya Hamka\u2019s message is not an invitation to reject\nmodernity, but a call for humanity not to lose its way within modernity\nitself. Life is not merely about maintaining existence, but about\nbuilding civilisation through knowledge, morality, and devotion to Allah\nSWT. For truly living human beings are those who can bring meaning to\nthemselves, benefit to others, and sincere devotion to the Creator.<\/p>\n
In a world moving ever faster, perhaps this is Buya Hamka\u2019s advice\nmost worthy of reflection by Generation Z: do not just be busy living\nlife, but understand for what purpose life is lived.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/life-is-not-just-about-surviving-re-reading-buya-hamkas-message-for-gen-z-1785419617", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }