INTEGRASI TRADISI DAN AKADEMIK PENGANTAR STUDI ISLAM UNTUK MAHASISWA SANTRI GENERASI Z

Abstract

This article presents an introduction to Islamic studies specifically designed for Generation Z santri students pursuing higher education in pondok pesantren-based universities. In the midst of the digital disruption era, Generation Z as digital natives often faces a paradox between addiction to secular information and a longing for authentic spiritual meaning. This article advances the main thesis that a harmonious integration between the pesantren scholarly tradition (yellow books/kitab kuning, sorogan-bandongan methods, and core values of sincerity and brotherhood) and modern academic approaches (scientific methods, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary perspectives) is not only possible but has become a necessity for shaping “intellectual ulama” or “ulama intellectuals” of the 21st century. By combining epistemological analysis of classical turats with empirical observations of millennial-Zillenial santri culture, the article maps out challenges (academic culture shock, multitasking burnout, traditional vs. progressive resistance) as well as creative opportunities (digital da'wah, hybrid turats-data science research, and Islamic startups). The result is a practical integration model that is relevant for Generation Z: “a yellow book in the left hand, a laptop in the right hand,” along with strategies for balancing worship, academics, and self-care. The article concludes with a vision that Generation Z santri who successfully integrate tradition and academia will become the primary agents of change in realizing a wasathī (moderate) Islamic civilization that is adaptive to Society 5.0 while remaining firmly rooted in the classical treasury of Islamic knowledge.