Life Is Not Just About Surviving: Re-reading Buya Hamka's Message for Gen Z
Amidst the swift currents of digitalisation, Generation Z has emerged as the generation closest to technology, yet also the most familiar with various forms of psychological pressure. The relentless flow of information, the culture of comparison on social media, academic and professional competition, and the demand for constant productivity have given rise to a paradox: the ease of modern life is often accompanied by increased anxiety and a crisis of meaning. Many young people end up living merely to ‘survive’, rather than to truly ‘live’ life itself.
This phenomenon brings to mind an expression by Buya Hamka that remains relevant beyond his era: ‘If living is just to live, wild boars in the forest also live. If working is just to work, monkeys also work.’
This statement is not merely harsh rhetoric, but a philosophical critique of a life that has lost its orientation. Hamka urged humanity to realise that human distinction lies not in the ability to survive, but in the capacity to give meaning to life. Humans are endowed with intellect, heart, and spiritual values so that every step has a purpose that transcends biological or material interests.
The reality for Generation Z today shows that the measure of success is often reduced to numbers: grade point averages, social media follower counts, salary figures, or career achievements at a young age. Digital culture has even fostered uniform standards of success, making it easy for someone to feel left behind when observing the accomplishments of others. In such a situation, life turns into a race without a finish line. Productivity is worshipped, while inner peace becomes a rarity.
Yet, Islam views life from a much deeper perspective. Allah SWT says: ‘And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.’ (QS. Az-Zariyat: 56). This verse indicates that human existence has a transcendental dimension. In Islam, worship is not merely interpreted as ritual, but encompasses all activities carried out with righteous intention and for the common good. Studying diligently, working professionally, conducting research, developing knowledge, and building civilisation are all forms of devotion to Allah when founded on sincerity and moral responsibility.
In this context, Hamka’s message becomes increasingly relevant. A meaningful life is not one merely filled with activities, but one with a value-based orientation. Busyness without purpose only breeds exhaustion, whereas activity grounded in meaning fosters tranquillity and benefit.
The Prophet Muhammad SAW also affirmed: ‘The best of people are those who are most beneficial to others.’ (HR. Ahmad). This hadith shifts the paradigm of success from individual orientation to social orientation. A person’s success is not solely measured by what they have accumulated, but by the benefit they bring to their surroundings. This perspective is crucial when Generation Z lives within a culture that often highlights personal achievement over social contribution.
Furthermore, Hamka’s thought teaches that modern progress should not erode the human spiritual dimension. Technological advancement is a tool, not an end goal. Digital intelligence must be balanced with moral intelligence, information literacy must go hand in hand with faith literacy, and the ability to adapt must be accompanied by the ability to maintain integrity. Without this foundation, progress will only produce individuals who are technically capable but mentally and spiritually fragile.
Indonesia needs a young generation that is not only adaptive to change but also capable of upholding human and Islamic values. A generation that does not easily dissolve into instant culture, does not make public validation a measure of self-worth, and is able to use knowledge as a path to benefit society.
In the end, Buya Hamka’s message is not an invitation to reject modernity, but a call for humanity not to lose its way within modernity itself. Life is not merely about maintaining existence, but about building civilisation through knowledge, morality, and devotion to Allah SWT. For truly living human beings are those who can bring meaning to themselves, benefit to others, and sincere devotion to the Creator.
In a world moving ever faster, perhaps this is Buya Hamka’s advice most worthy of reflection by Generation Z: do not just be busy living life, but understand for what purpose life is lived.