My Small Ideas for Better ZISWAF Management

Zakat and the Potential for Solving Social Problems

Over the following years there is an increase in awareness in the community, various non-governmental organizations have emerged that are engaged in helping community empowerment and other social activities through zakat, infaq and sadaqa (Donation and charity activities in Islam). The potential is Rp.368 Trillion per year , as an illustration based on information from the Indonesian Ministry of Finance in 2019, the national government budget and revenue of Rp1,894.7 trillion, which means the potential for zakat is 19% of the national government budget and income.

Related to the existing problems, it is necessary to have continuous synergy, both the government who has the right to make regulators, according to Article 1 point 1 of Law Number 38 of 1999. 

With this problem, there is a feeling of mistrust of the community to channel their funds and there tends to be a small proportion that channel it directly. channeling like this ultimately does not touch the root of the problem directly. We need to bring change to the community and can also advocate for the government and Zakat institutions such Amil Zakat National Institution center (BAZNAS) National Zakat Collection Institution (LAZNAS) to work together through laws so that the potential for zakat, Sadaqa can be beneficial. I believe Learn how to develop innovative programmes and powerful evaluations that can create meaningful social and community change.

How common people see Zakat through their perspective

Zakat is a religious duty for all Muslims who meet the necessary criteria of wealth. Zakat is based on the value of all of one's possessions. It is customarily 2.5% (or 1/40) of a Muslim's total savings and wealth above a minimum amount, and Sadaqah or Sadqah ("voluntary charity",and also Infaq,a type of charity in Islam that is given without any expectation return.

With Indonesia as a country with the second largest Muslim population in the world, with population is around 267 million, including an Islamic population of 207 million , is a big advantages for the Indonesian state itself to increase the welfare of its people through zakat. However, that in general zakat in Indonesia does not really have an impact on improving the quality of life of the poor. This is caused by the management, At present the management of zakat and other voluntary donations such as infaq and Sadaqah is divided between Local Management namely Mosque and organization management which is managed by BAZNAS, LAZNAS and Government, although can raise large funds, with management that is still not integrated

With this become problem?, there is a feeling of mistrust of the community to channel their funds. Government and Zakat Management (BAZNAS and LAZNAS) can bring change to the community and can also advocate for the government and zakat management institutions to work together through laws so that the potential for zakat, infaq and Sadaqa can be beneficial., and there are already small-scale examples that are interesting to study in the management of zakat and other types of donations. Zakat management here is fairly advanced compared to other similar management in Indonesia. 

As previously explained, each mosque is managed by a voluntary independent management which usually comes from worshipers who live around the mosque and their obligation is providing in managing worshipers. The management of Jogokariyan Mosque in the city of Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia is fairly forward-thinking in terms of the management.

Jogokariyan Mosque is one of the mosques that manages its pilgrims with service oriented towards worshipers. Every mosque program, activity and program always returns to the comfort of the congregation and the welfare of the congregation. Jogokariyan Mosque Management is a modern mosque management which is based on the values of the mosque in the time of the Prophet Muhammad SAW where the mosque is the main heart of community activities and is beneficial for the welfare of the surrounding community. 

Ta'mir of Jogokaryan mosque, along with other ta'mir, entered the strategic and practical steps. Namely the concept of Mosque Management - there are in 3 steps: Mapping, Services, and Empowerment.

While for research on the role of government regulators we need to study directly to the Amil Zakat National Institution center (BAZNAS) and together create comprehensive study the laws that have been made related to zakat, infaq and sadaqa, get a picture of the effectiveness of the law and their function as a regulator. then is there any advocacy they provide to the community.,  education has been given to people who are not aware of their obligations to pay zakat, infaq and sadaqa.

Social functions, social problems caused by multidimensional problems that originated from the problem of economic inequality due to policy mistakes taken by stakeholders, welfare inequality is so real, the gap between the poor and the rich is so deep that it gives birth to social cases in society.

Economic function, not just a charitable distribution of aid to the poor so that they can produce their own needs with capital provided by programs that are economic and skill-based to produce are at the core of  activities.

The advocacy or defense function. This section becomes very important because it functions to intervene the problem of poverty and its social impact using a regulatory approach.

In Conclusion, with a strong synergy it is expected that the benefits felt by all parties and the alleviation of the poor and low income can be optimized in the future.

Lessons from History

Historically, zakat has proven to be an effective solution to overcome social problems, including poverty. During the reign of Umar bin Abdul Aziz, zakat was managed very well. This caliph was known as a leader who cared deeply about the welfare of society. He implemented a system that allowed everyone in need to get their rights from zakat.

Umar bin Abdul Aziz conducted accurate data collection to find out who was entitled to receive zakat. In this system, there were no more people begging on the streets, because all their needs had been met through zakat. In historical records, during his reign, not a single poor person was eligible to receive zakat. This shows how important effective zakat management is to eradicate poverty.

Zakat in the past also showed that if managed properly, zakat can be used to finance education, health, and infrastructure, thus creating a prosperous society. The resources collected from zakat can encourage more equitable social and economic development.

During the golden age of Islam, zakat management was not only limited to basic needs, but was also used to establish educational institutions and health facilities. This reflects that zakat can play a role in building a society that is not only free from poverty, but also develops socially and economically.

Invitation to Pay Zakat

Realizing the great potential of zakat as an instrument to eradicate poverty and create social justice, let us increase our awareness and concern for this obligation. Zakat is not only a religious obligation, but also a real form of our social solidarity as Muslims. Every asset that we spend through zakat is an investment for the future, both in this world and in the hereafter.

Let us contribute to creating a more just and prosperous society by paying zakat regularly and appropriately. Through zakat, we can help those in need, provide education for underprivileged children, and build the infrastructure needed by the community. Come on, make zakat an important part of our lives, because every penny we spend is a step towards greater happiness and blessings.

By giving alms, we not only cleanse our wealth, but also help build a better future for all. It is time for us to rise and optimize the potential of zakat, to together eradicate poverty and create a prosperous society.