Islamic ethical framework curbs Gen Z 'doom spending' to build family financial resilience.

Why It Matters

Understanding the psychological drivers behind impulsive spending, especially among younger demographics influenced by digital culture, is crucial for designing interventions that promote sustainable financial habits. This research offers a culturally and ethically grounded approach to fostering long-term economic stability.

Key Finding

Generation Z's 'doom spending' harms family finances and well-being, contradicting Islamic values. Solutions involve financial education, communication, ethical consumption, and community support.

Key Findings

• 'Doom spending' negatively impacts family financial stability and increases emotional stress.
• 'Doom spending' conflicts with Islamic principles of moderation (wasaṭiyyah), contentment (qanā‘ah), and the prohibition of extravagance (tabżīr).
• Strengthening family economic resilience requires digital financial literacy, open couple communication, integration of Islamic consumption values, productive technology use, and community financial education.

Research Evidence

Aim: How can the principles of Maqāṣid al-Syarī‘ah fī Ḥifẓ al-Māl be reconstructed to address 'doom spending' among Generation Z couples and enhance their family economic resilience in the digital economy?

Method: Qualitative descriptive-analytical design

Procedure: The study reconstructed the Islamic ethical framework of Maqāṣid al-Syarī‘ah fī Ḥifẓ al-Māl by integrating Islamic ethics, psychological coping theory, and contemporary consumption studies. It then analyzed the impact of 'doom spending' on Generation Z couples and proposed strategies for strengthening family economic resilience.

Context: Family economics, digital consumer culture, Generation Z financial behavior, Islamic ethics

Design Principle

Design interventions that promote mindful consumption by aligning user behavior with ethical principles and long-term well-being.

How to Apply

When designing financial tools or educational programs for young adults, consider incorporating modules on emotional spending triggers, the long-term consequences of impulsive purchases, and ethical frameworks that encourage delayed gratification and responsible resource management.

Limitations

The study's findings are based on a qualitative approach and may not be generalizable to all Generation Z populations. The specific cultural and religious context of Islamic ethics might limit direct applicability in secular design contexts without adaptation.

Student Guide (IB Design Technology)

Simple Explanation: Young people are spending impulsively because they feel uncertain about the future. This study shows that using Islamic ideas about saving money and not being wasteful can help them manage their money better, which makes their families more financially stable.

Why This Matters: This research highlights how understanding user motivations, especially emotional ones like fear or uncertainty, is key to designing effective solutions for financial well-being and sustainability.

Critical Thinking: To what extent can a specific cultural or religious ethical framework be adapted and applied to address financial behaviors in diverse global contexts, and what are the potential challenges in such adaptations?

IA-Ready Paragraph: This research by Ubaidillah et al. (2026) explores how Generation Z's 'doom spending' impacts family economic resilience. By reconstructing the Islamic ethical framework of Maqāṣid al-Syarī‘ah fī Ḥifẓ al-Māl, the study identifies moderation and contentment as key to counteracting impulsive consumption. The findings underscore the importance of digital financial literacy, open communication, and ethical consumption values in building sustainable household financial management.

Project Tips

• When researching user behavior, consider the underlying psychological and cultural factors influencing their decisions.
• Explore how ethical or value-based systems can be integrated into product design to encourage responsible use.

How to Use in IA

• Reference this study when discussing the psychological drivers of consumer behavior and the potential for value-based design interventions in financial contexts.

Examiner Tips

• Demonstrate an understanding of how cultural and ethical frameworks can inform design decisions, particularly in addressing societal challenges like financial instability.

Independent Variable: ["Reconstruction of Maqāṣid al-Syarī‘ah fī Ḥifẓ al-Māl","Integration of Islamic ethics, psychological coping theory, and consumption studies"]

Dependent Variable: ["Addressing 'doom spending'","Enhancing family economic resilience"]

Controlled Variables: ["Generation Z couples","Digital economy context"]

Strengths

• Integrates multiple theoretical perspectives (Islamic ethics, psychology, consumption studies).
• Addresses a contemporary and relevant societal issue ('doom spending' among Gen Z).

Critical Questions

• How can the principles of 'wasaṭiyyah' and 'qanā‘ah' be practically translated into design features for financial applications?
• What are the potential ethical considerations when applying a specific religious framework to a broader demographic?

Extended Essay Application

• Investigate the effectiveness of value-based financial planning tools in promoting long-term savings habits among young adults.
• Explore the role of digital platforms in fostering mindful consumption and reducing impulsive spending.

Source

Reconstruction of Maqāṣid al-Syarī‘ah fī Ḥifẓ al-Māl in Responding to Doom Spending Among Generation Z and the Implications for Family Economic Resilience · Al-Muamalat · 2026 · 10.15575/am.v13i1.53964