The Phenomenon of Debt-loving Behavior Through the Islamic Worldview Perspective and Literacy in the Digital Era

Abstract

The existing cultural problem of debt-loving behavior is slowly growing as a societal norm driven by an insatiable need to satisfy an individual’s worldly desires. In Islam, it is considered more favorable to incur debt in situations of emergency. Consequently, researchers want to examine the factors contributing to the prevalence of debt-loving behavior in the contemporary digital era, alongside exploring the Islamic perspective on addressing this situation. This research employed a descriptive qualitative methodology. The findings indicate that multiple reasons contribute to an individual’s affinity for debt. These aspects include 1) excessive consumptive behavior; 2) impulsive buying tendencies; 3) perceiving debt as a societal trend; 4) lack of financial literacy; and 5) being influenced by one’s worldview. The prevalence of social media platforms has profoundly impacted modern lifestyles, promoting a lifestyle centered around seeking pleasure and gratification. Hedonism constitutes an integral component of capitalist rationality. The Islamic worldview diverges from the Western worldview in considering worldly life and the afterlife. The notion of Islamic rationality encompasses using mathematical logic, metaphysical, and spiritual elements to address worldly challenges. The worldview can be seen and utilized to comprehend and evaluate every human activity and behavior.
 Keywords: debt, Islam, worldview