Tawakkal and Ikhtiar in Addressing Quarter-Life Crisis among Generation Z: A Thematic Interpretation of Q.S. Ar-Ra’d [13]:11 and At-Talaq [65]:3

Kaafy Al  Dzahaby; Ainur  Rhain; Zulfikar  Zulfikar; Muhammad Fathi  Salim

doi:10.57163/4ffkxw51

Authors

Kaafy Al Dzahaby Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Indonesia
Ainur Rhain Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Indonesia
Zulfikar Zulfikar Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Indonesia
Muhammad Fathi Salim Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.57163/4ffkxw51

Keywords:

Generation Z, Ikhtiar, Quarter-Life Crisis , Thematic Interpretation (Tafsir Maudhū’i)

Abstract

The quarter-life crisis has emerged as a prevalent psychological phenomenon among Generation Z, characterized by anxiety, career uncertainty, identity confusion, and concerns about the future. Existing studies predominantly explain this phenomenon through psychological or general religious coping perspectives, while the integrative Qur'anic relationship between ikhtiar (diligent effort) and tawakkal (reliance on Allah) remains insufficiently explored. This study aims to reconstruct the Qur'anic paradigm of ikhtiar and tawakkal through a thematic interpretation of Q.S. Ar-Ra'd [13]:11 and Q.S. At-Talaq [65]:3, and to examine its relevance as a spiritual coping framework for addressing the quarter-life crisis among Generation Z. This qualitative library research employs the tafsir maudhū’i (thematic interpretation) approach by analyzing the selected Qur'anic verses alongside classical and contemporary tafsir literature and relevant studies on quarter-life crisis, Islamic psychology, and religious coping. The findings demonstrate that ikhtiar functions as an active mechanism encouraging self-development, responsible action, and adaptive responses to uncertainty, whereas tawakkal serves as a spiritual mechanism that alleviates anxiety through trust in Allah after optimal effort has been exerted. Their integration establishes a balanced Qur'anic framework that strengthens psychological resilience, emotional stability, and meaningful engagement with life's uncertainties. The reconstructed paradigm offers a relevant conceptual foundation for helping Generation Z cope with the psychological challenges of the quarter-life crisis. Unlike previous studies that primarily emphasize psychological or general religious coping, this research proposes an integrative Qur'anic spiritual coping model by synthesizing ikhtiar and tawakkal through thematic interpretation, thereby contributing to the development of contemporary Qur'anic exegesis and Islamic psychology.

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