Zakat is not merely understood as a material obligation, but also as a form of worship that purifies both wealth and the soul. During Ramadan in particular, zakat al-fitr serves as a tangible expression of social compassion toward others.
Through zakat, the joy and significance of victory on Eid can be felt more equitably, including by the less fortunate. Thus, the spirit of sharing becomes an essential part of the Eid al-Fitr celebration.
Dr Laily Dwi Arsyianti, a lecturer in Islamic Economics at IPB University, noted that the digital era has driven transformation in zakat management. According to her, technological innovations have brought significant changes to the systems for collecting and distributing zakat funds.
Online zakat payments, for example, now make it easier for Muslims to fulfill this obligation. “Zakat institutions in Indonesia continue to innovate to enhance the effectiveness of zakat collection and distribution, while expanding its impact on the welfare of the community,” she told a reporter from IPB University’s Public Relations Office.
A number of zakat institutions have also established collaborations with muzakki (zakat contributors) in the agricultural sector, such as rice and staple food producers. These products are then purchased and redistributed to the mustahik (zakat recipients) as beneficiaries of the zakat.
“To make things easier for the recipients, a ‘rice ATM’ facility is also available so they can withdraw zakat according to their needs. This innovation was introduced to improve efficiency and transparency, as well as to strengthen the impact of zakat on the community’s well-being,” she explained.
Dr Laily also cited the innovation implemented by the Al Hurriyyah IPB Zakat Collection Unit (UPZ). This institution provides convenience for zakat payers through a direct deduction system from payroll accounts. This scheme is considered practical and encourages consistency in paying zakat.
“As a form of transparency, the IPB UPZ also provides reports to zakat payers regarding the distribution of zakat funds that has been carried out,” said the Chairperson of the Center for Islamic Business and Economics Studies (CIBEST).
In its implementation, UPZ IPB University collaborates with the Al Hurriyyah Mosque Management Board (DKM) to organize various fundraising programs, ranging from infaq for iftar and suhoor, zakat al-fitr, to zakat al-mal.
According to Dr Laily, these programs aim not only to raise funds but also to improve literacy and understanding of zakat among the IPB University academic community. Additionally, these activities are open to the general public. (Lp) (IAAS/KQA)
