In a move aimed at raising awareness about the importance of zakat, Mohamad Mahdum, the head of Indonesia's National Zakat Collection Agency, called on students and youth to change their perspective from being beneficiaries to becoming zakat providers. This call was made during a national seminar on zakat titled "The Role of Youth in Building a Sustainable Zakat System" held at Sunan Kalijaga University in Central Java last Tuesday.
In his speech, Mahdum stated that financial literacy and knowledge of zakat are essential qualities that youth should possess. He pointed out that it is a mistake for individuals to remain unaware of their obligations towards zakat, highlighting the crucial role of students in educating the community about the concept of zakat and its distinction from charity and spending.
Event Details
During the seminar, Mahdum noted a significant increase in the use of digital zakat, with digital donations reaching approximately 9 to 10 billion rupiah monthly, reflecting the interest of youth in this area. Although their motivations may vary, from the desire to graduate to securing jobs, Mahdum considered this a substantial social capital that can be invested in the future.
Mahdum also emphasized the importance of choosing between being a beneficiary or a zakat provider, pointing out that life requires making decisions. In this regard, he urged youth to be part of the solution instead of waiting for assistance.
Background & Context
Historically, zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam and serves as a means to promote social solidarity and support for those in need. With the growing awareness of the importance of zakat, many Islamic countries have begun to develop systems for collecting and managing zakat more effectively. In Indonesia, the National Zakat Collection Agency (Baznas) is one of the leading institutions working to organize this sector.
Studies show that communities that commit to regularly paying zakat experience improvements in living standards and the development of small projects. There are also successful examples in some Indonesian villages that have achieved positive results through institutional zakat management.
Impact & Consequences
Enhancing the role of youth in the zakat system can have positive effects on the local economy. By increasing awareness and participation, financial contributions can rise, contributing to improved living conditions for those in need. This shift can also enhance the concept of social responsibility among youth, motivating them to actively participate in the development of their communities.
Furthermore, this transformation presents an opportunity for youth to develop leadership skills, enabling them to become leaders in charitable and social work, which contributes to building a more cohesive and prosperous society.
Regional Significance
Indonesia's experience in enhancing the role of youth in zakat serves as a model that can be beneficial for Arab countries. Many Arab communities face economic and social challenges, and zakat can play a significant role in alleviating these burdens. By promoting a culture of zakat among youth, greater social solidarity can be achieved, leading to improved living conditions.
Ultimately, it requires integrated efforts from educational, religious, and media institutions to promote this concept, contributing to building a more aware and effective society.