STAYING UP LATE AMONG GEN Z: HEALTH IMPACTS ON FUSI STUDENTS THROUGH QUR'ANIC PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

Late-night wakefulness has become a common lifestyle among Generation Z due to academic demands and intensive use of digital technology. This study explores the experiences of Qur’anic Studies students in engaging with this habit and examines it through a contextual interpretation of Q.S. Al-Qashash [28]:73 and Q.S. Ar-Rum [30]:23. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, the study involved 30 purposively selected students of the Faculty of Ushuluddin and Islamic Studies at UIN Sumatera Utara who met the established research criteria and provided data until saturation was achieved. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding. The findings indicate that late-night wakefulness is shaped by academic pressures, digital distractions, and the perception of nighttime as a productive period. This habit contributes to decreased concentration, reduced quality of Qur’anic memorization, physical fatigue, and theological dissonance between religious understanding and daily practices. Contextual interpretation of the verses shows that the Qur’an positions the night as a period of sakan (tranquility), rest, and recovery, while daytime is intended for productive activities. The study highlights the importance of tawazun (balance) as a framework for harmonizing academic productivity, physical well-being, and spiritual awareness in the digital era.

Keywords : late-night wakefulness; Generation Z; Qur'anic Studies students; sakan; tawazun; contextual interpretation.