SHAPING FAITH AND CHARACTER IN SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL ISLAMIC EDUCATION FOR GEN Z

Nur Nazhira Hafiza, Muhammad Rafi’i

Abstract


Islamic education plays a crucial role in shaping students’ faith and character,
particularly for Generation Z who grow up in a rapidly changing digital and social
environment. This study examines how Islamic education in senior high schools contributes
to the development of religious faith and moral character among Gen Z learners. Using a
qualitative literature-based research design, this article analyzes contemporary scholarly
works, educational reports, and empirical studies published between 2020 and 2025. The
findings reveal that Islamic education significantly influences students’ moral awareness,
spiritual commitment, and ethical behavior when it is implemented through contextualized
pedagogy, teacher role modeling, habituation of religious practices, and value integration
across the curriculum. However, challenges such as digital distraction, declining moral
authority, and limited family involvement hinder optimal outcomes. The discussion
emphasizes the need for adaptive teaching strategies that align Islamic values with Gen Z
characteristics, including critical thinking, technological engagement, and identity
exploration. The study concludes that Islamic education remains highly relevant in fostering
faith-based character formation in senior high schools, provided that pedagogical
approaches evolve to address contemporary realities. This article contributes to the
discourse on faith-based education, character development, and Islamic pedagogy in the era
of digital transformation.


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