Relevansi Konsep Kalam Abu Hasan Al-Asy’ari Bagi Penguatan Keimanan Generasi Z

Abstract

This study identifies the main problems of Generation Z's faith in the digital age, namely an epistemological crisis caused by information overload, social media algorithm echo chambers, skepticism towards religious dogmatism and authority, and exposure to radical and liberal extremist ideologies that trigger deep doubts about Islamic beliefs. The theory used is the theology of Abu Hasan Al-Asy'ari (Asy'ariyah), which offers a rational balance between reason and revelation through the concept of the eternal nature of Allah (haalah laazimah), the doctrine of kasb for human responsibility, the distinction between kalam nafsi-lafzi, ru'yah in the afterlife, and the status of major sinners as believers, as an antithesis to Mu'tazilah polarism and extreme textualism. Descriptive-qualitative analysis through literature research shows that Asy'ariyah teachings are contextually relevant to Generation Z, who thirst for authenticity, with cognitive (short attention span), emotional (existential anxiety), and social (open but vulnerable to hoaxes) characteristics. because it provides a rational foundation that filters extreme digital narratives while maintaining the transcendence of revelation, thereby strengthening religious digital literacy and religious moderation. The research conclusion confirms that the internalization of Asy'ariyah produces anti-fragile spiritual resilience for Generation Z, through digital education approaches such as infographics and Ahlussunnah wal Jama'ah podcasts, to produce Indonesian Muslim youth who are critical, moderate, and contribute to brotherhood in cyberspace.