BUILDING THE ISLAMIC CHARACTER OF GENERATION Z THROUGH THE INTEGRATION OF ISLAMIC RELIGIOUS EDUCATION, DIGITAL LITERACY, AND RELIGIOUS MODERATION

Abstract

The development of digital technology has transformed the way Generation Z acquires, produces, and disseminates religious knowledge. This condition provides an opportunity for Islamic Religious Education (PAI) to develop learning that is more contextual, interactive, and relevant to students' lives. At the same time, the digital environment presents challenges in the form of religious disinformation, the fragmentation of scholarly authority, exclusivism, and a lack of ability among some students to critically evaluate religious information. This article aims to analyze the integration of PAI, digital literacy, and religious moderation as a strategic approach to building the Islamic character of Generation Z. The study uses an integrative literature review approach by analyzing relevant scholarly literature on Islamic religious education, character education, digital literacy, Generation Z, and religious moderation, with particular attention to recent publications. The analysis was conducted through theme identification, comparison of findings, conceptual synthesis, and the development of an integrative framework. The results show that shaping the Islamic character of Generation Z cannot be achieved solely through the transfer of religious knowledge, but requires the integration of religious competence, digital literacy skills, and the internalization of religious moderation values. PAI occupies a strategic position as a pedagogical space for building students' ability to understand Islamic teachings, verify religious information, use digital media ethically, respect differences, and apply Islamic values in real life. This article offers an integrative model consisting of four stages: religious understanding, digital verification, value reflection, and character actualization. This model can serve as a framework for developing PAI instruction that is responsive to digital transformation while remaining oriented toward the formation of moral character, tolerance, responsibility, and social benefit