Makna Bekerja sebagai Ibadah dalam Merespons Fenomena Flexing dan Materialisme Pekerja Modern

Abstract

This study discusses the growing phenomena of flexing and materialism that increasingly shape the work culture of modern employees in the digital era. Professional achievements are often displayed as symbols of wealth, social status, and public recognition, causing a shift in the meaning of work from a spiritual and ethical responsibility into a medium of self-image construction and social validation. This research aims to examine the concept of work as worship in Islam as a critical response to flexing and materialistic tendencies among contemporary workers. The study employs a qualitative method with a library research approach. Data were collected from Qur’anic verses, Islamic ethical principles, books, journal articles, and other relevant academic sources. The data were analyzed using content analysis by relating Islamic work values to contemporary social realities. The findings reveal that work can be regarded as an act of worship when it is grounded in sincere intention, lawful processes, trustworthiness, responsibility, and social benefit. This perspective encourages workers to control excessive self-display, reduce materialistic orientations, and develop a balanced, meaningful, and spiritually grounded work ethic.