Fiqh Muamalah and Generation Z: Being Wise Amidst Digital Lifestyles

In the current digital era, Generation Z is the group most familiar with technology. Various economic activities can be carried out simply via mobile phones, from online shopping and investing to using online loan services. This convenience certainly brings many benefits, but also presents new challenges that need to be addressed wisely. This is where fiqh muamalah plays an important role. Fiqh muamalah is a branch of Islamic jurisprudence that governs human relations in the fields of economy and transactions. Its purpose is not only to determine what is halal and haram, but also to realise justice, promote welfare, and prevent society from harmful practices. For Generation Z, understanding fiqh muamalah is increasingly relevant. Many young people are drawn to investment trends or consumptive lifestyles simply because they fear being left behind. The phenomenon of fear of missing out (FOMO) often leads someone to make financial decisions without considering the risks or their compatibility with sharia principles. For example, not a few young people are tempted to use online loans to meet consumptive needs. Others jump into investments just because they see others making large profits. In reality, fiqh muamalah contains the principle of caution (ta’anni) and prohibits transactions involving uncertainty (gharar), fraud, or riba. Furthermore, Generation Z lives amidst a very strong consumer culture. Social media often showcases luxurious lifestyles that seem to become the standard of success. As a result, some people compete to buy unnecessary goods just to gain social recognition. Islam does not forbid a person from owning wealth or enjoying the fruits of their labour. However, fiqh muamalah teaches that wealth should be used proportionally and provide benefits, both for oneself and for others. Excessive consumption or hoarding wealth without a clear purpose can distance a person from the values of balance taught in Islam. On the other hand, technological developments also open great opportunities for Generation Z to engage in more productive economic activities. Many young people are now building online businesses, becoming content creators, or selling through social media. As long as these activities are conducted honestly, transparently, and without harming others, they align with the spirit of fiqh muamalah, which encourages benefit and justice. The biggest challenge for Generation Z is not a lack of access to information, but rather the ability to filter that information. Amidst a flood of investment offers, promotions, and digital economic trends, young people need a strong foundation to avoid being easily swept away. Fiqh muamalah can serve as a relevant guide to answer these challenges. Values such as honesty, justice, responsibility, and caution in transactions remain important, even as the forms of transactions continue to evolve with the times. Ultimately, being technologically literate is not enough for Generation Z. The younger generation also needs to understand ethics and sharia principles in every economic activity. That way, technological progress will not only yield material profit, but also bring blessings and welfare to life.