Monthly Archives: August 2025

Kuala Lumpur | 27 August 2025 – The global stage for zakat and waqf is set to shine in Malaysia this October. PPZ-MAIWP joined the Sponsorship Handover Ceremony & Press Conference for the World Zakat & Waqf Forum (WZWF) 2025, held at Seri Pacific Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, and officiated by YB Senator Dato’ Setia Dr. Haji Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs). The ceremony formally recognised the commitment of institutions and corporate partners that will make this international gathering possible. Among the main sponsors for WZWF 2025 are: Pusat Pungutan Zakat – MAIWP (PPZ-MAIWP) Kumpulan MBSB Yayasan Waqaf Malaysia (YWM) Lembaga Zakat Negeri Kedah (LZNK) BERNAS Malaysian Kuwaiti Investment Co. Sdn Bhd (MKIC) Yayasan Infaq ANGKASA A Global Platform in Kuching The World Zakat & Waqf Forum 2025 will take place on 13–15 October 2025 in Kuching, Sarawak, carrying the theme “New Global Zakat & Waqf Order.” As the 14th Annual Meeting & International Conference, WZWF 2025 will convene scholars, policymakers, and practitioners from across the world to explore how zakat and waqf can serve as powerful instruments for: Sustainable development Social justice Economic empowerment It is an opportunity for Malaysia to showcase its leadership in zakat and waqf management, while also learning from global best practices. PPZ-MAIWP’s Commitment For PPZ-MAIWP, being a corporate partner in this prestigious event is more than a sponsorship — it is a statement of commitment. As one of the country’s leading zakat collection institutions, PPZ-MAIWP recognises the importance of contributing to global conversations that shape the future of Islamic social finance. Through its research arm, Akademi Zakat (AZKA-PPZ), PPZ-MAIWP continues to produce knowledge, publications, and initiatives that inform practice and strengthen governance. By supporting WZWF 2025, PPZ-MAIWP reaffirms its role not only in serving the Federal Territories but also in helping to shape the global direction of zakat and waqf. Looking Ahead The Sponsorship Handover Ceremony marked the beginning of the final stretch of preparations towards October’s landmark gathering in Kuching. With strong institutional backing, WZWF 2025 promises to be a dynamic platform for new ideas, deeper collaboration, and renewed commitment to the role of zakat and waqf in building a just and sustainable world. As the countdown to WZWF 2025 begins, PPZ-MAIWP stands ready to play its part in ensuring that Malaysia continues to lead, contribute, and inspire in the global zakat and waqf movement.

Kuala Lumpur | 25 August 2025 – Malaysia, like many nations, is facing the reality of a rapidly ageing population. By 2030, one in six Malaysians is projected to be aged 60 or above. With this demographic shift comes pressing questions: how do we ensure dignity, care, and sustainability for our elderly? And what role can Islamic social finance play in addressing these challenges? These questions formed the heart of a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on “Islamic Social Finance Solutions in Addressing Challenges in Elderly Care in Malaysia,” organised at IBIS Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, with support from the Islamic Economics Research and Innovation Fund (IERIF). The session brought together researchers, practitioners, and Shariah experts to critically assess emerging ideas and refine proposed solutions. The Objectives of the Study The research underpinning the FGD is ambitious and timely. Its goals are fourfold: Identify the socioeconomic impact of Malaysia’s ageing society. Review current policy gaps in elderly care provisions. Assess the effectiveness of existing Islamic social finance mechanisms in addressing elderly care. Propose innovative solutions that are both practical and Shariah-compliant. With healthcare costs rising and family support systems shifting due to urbanisation and economic pressures, the need for structured, sustainable support for the elderly has never been greater. Exploring the Role of Zakat and Islamic Social Finance A key focus of the discussion was how Islamic social finance instruments — particularly zakat, waqf, and sadaqah — can be mobilised for elderly care. Several issues were debated: Zakat eligibility: Can elderly care centres, and by extension their residents, be supported under asnaf categories such as faqir and miskin? Governance and trust: How can zakat institutions ensure transparency and accountability if they allocate funds for senior care? Integration with waqf: Could waqf properties or investments be structured to generate continuous funding for elderly care centres? Sadaqah and CSR: How might voluntary contributions complement institutional zakat and waqf support? What emerged from these discussions was the recognition that Islamic social finance has the potential to provide not only short-term relief, but also long-term sustainability if managed with professionalism and foresight. Our Role as Expert Reference We are humbled to participate as one of the expert references in this FGD, representing the knowledge and institutional perspective of AZKA-PPZ. Our contributions centred on the practical realities of zakat management, the evolving expectations of zakat payers, and the importance of aligning any new solutions with Shariah principles while ensuring operational feasibility. It was particularly meaningful to share insights on how zakat has already been utilised in certain contexts for elderly care and to highlight the need for national-level guidance so that such initiatives can be harmonised across states. Building Towards Practical Outcomes What makes this FGD significant is its applied orientation. Rather than remaining at the level of theory, the session sought realistic feedback from experts to refine proposed financial models. By the end, it was clear that the research team intends to shape outcomes that can influence both policy frameworks and institutional practice. Among the innovative ideas explored were hybrid models that combine zakat allocations with waqf-based investments, enabling the creation of elderly care facilities that are both financially sustainable and socially impactful. A Shared Responsibility Caring for the elderly is more than just a policy challenge; it is a moral and spiritual responsibility. In Islam, respect and care for parents and the elderly is deeply enshrined, and institutions must ensure that this value translates into action. Islamic social finance offers tools that can bridge the gap between community values and modern welfare needs. Conclusion The Focus Group Discussion on Islamic social finance and elderly care was an important step in reimagining how zakat and related instruments can address one of the most urgent challenges of our time. For AZKA-PPZ, participation in such initiatives underscores its commitment to advancing zakat knowledge, policy, and practice in ways that are responsive to evolving social realities. By contributing expertise and institutional experience, AZKA-PPZ continues to strengthen the role of zakat as a catalyst for community empowerment and sustainable welfare. The insights gathered from this FGD will not only inform the research team’s final outputs but also open pathways for zakat institutions to play a greater role in ensuring that Malaysia’s elderly are cared for with dignity, compassion, and sustainability.

Kuala Lumpur | 21 August 2025 – Urban poverty has long been one of the pressing realities of modern Malaysia. Behind the gleaming skylines and economic progress, there are pockets of families in the city struggling with the rising cost of living, unstable incomes, and the challenges of making ends meet. For zakat institutions, this reality presents both an obligation and an opportunity: to ensure that the system not only provides relief, but also paves the way for empowerment and long-term transformation. It is within this context that the Akademi Zakat (AZKA-PPZ) team took part in the Extended Urban Poverty Study discussion on 21 August 2025. This session built upon earlier research efforts to better understand the socio-economic realities of the urban poor, while also moving the conversation forward with new initiatives and collaborations. From Initial Findings to Deeper Insights The earlier phases of the urban poverty study helped outline key dimensions of the issue: the profiles of affected households, the financial pressures they face, and the social dynamics that shape their vulnerabilities. It became clear that the challenge of miskin bandar is not just about insufficient income. It is about housing affordability, access to quality education, health costs, and the rising price of basic necessities. Zakat, in this context, has proven to be an important safety net. Yet, the discussions at the session also highlighted that zakat must go beyond immediate distribution. It needs to become a lever for empowerment — helping the poor build capacities, develop income streams, and eventually move from being recipients to becoming contributors. Towards a New Research Collaboration One of the significant outcomes of the session was the agreement to embark on a new collaborative research project with Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), through the Institute of Wealth Management and Islamic Finance (IFWMI). This collaboration will focus on developing a scholarly and policy-oriented book titled:“Transforming Asnaf into Zakat Payers Among the Urban Poor.” The vision behind this publication is ambitious yet necessary. By blending theoretical perspectives with empirical research, the book aims to explore how zakat can play a transformative role. It will document practical strategies, assess real-world programmes, and recommend policy directions that could enable asnaf households to break out of the poverty cycle and eventually join the community of zakat payers. For the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur — a hub of urban migration and economic opportunity, but also stark inequality — this research will provide timely and critical insights. AZKA-PPZ’s Role and Commitment As the research and knowledge arm of PPZ-MAIWP, AZKA-PPZ plays a central role in bridging theory and practice. The Extended Urban Poverty Study reaffirms this mandate. By participating in the session, the AZKA team not only contributed institutional perspectives but also positioned itself as a facilitator of knowledge that can inform both academic debates and policy decisions. The broader mission is clear: to ensure that zakat is not only managed with efficiency and accountability, but also guided by knowledge, research, and long-term vision. Empowerment is at the heart of this mission, and studies such as this provide the evidence base to design impactful programmes. Looking Ahead The Extended Urban Poverty Study and the forthcoming collaboration with USIM mark an important step in Malaysia’s zakat journey. It is a move from relief to empowerment, from distribution to transformation. The hope is that this work will not remain on paper alone. It should translate into policies, programmes, and initiatives that genuinely uplift urban asnaf families — enabling them to stand on their own feet, contribute to society, and even join the ranks of zakat payers themselves. For AZKA-PPZ, the journey continues. Each study, each collaboration, and each reflection brings us closer to a zakat ecosystem that is professional, relevant, and impactful. One that does not simply alleviate poverty, but helps to end it. Importantly, this extended study builds on AZKA-PPZ’s earlier work. Previously, AZKA-PPZ published the book “Penanda Aras (Threshold) Miskin Bandar di Wilayah Persekutuan”, which serves as the original baseline study for understanding urban poverty. The publication can be freely downloaded here: https://azka.zakat.com.my/2025/penanda-aras-threshold-miskin-bandar-di-wilayah-persekutuan/.

Terengganu | 7–8 August 2025 – Akademi Zakat (AZKA-PPZ) participated in the Coordination Workshop for the Publication Project: “Islamic Social Finance: Theory and Application”, organised by the Islamic Social Finance Research Centre (ISF) at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA). The two-day programme, held at the Raia Hotel & Convention Centre Terengganu, brought together academics and industry practitioners to refine the draft chapters of a forthcoming reference book on Islamic social finance. The workshop aimed to align perspectives between research and practice, ensuring the final publication will serve as a credible, comprehensive guide for scholars, policymakers, and industry players. Broad Scope, Focused Expertise The proposed book covers a wide spectrum of topics reflecting the diverse pillars of Islamic social finance. Among the key chapters discussed during the workshop were: An Introduction to Islamic Social Finance – presented by Dr. Muhammad Shahrul Ifwat Ishak (ISF-UniSZA), outlining the foundational principles and contemporary relevance of Islamic social finance in addressing socio-economic challenges. Islamic Banking – led by Dr. Farah (ISF-UniSZA), exploring Shariah-compliant banking products, their regulatory frameworks, and their role in promoting financial inclusion. Islamic Microfinance – also facilitated by Dr. Farah, examining microcredit and micro-savings models that support low-income communities while preserving Shariah compliance. Zakat – contributed by AZKA-PPZ, offering practical insights into governance, collection, and distribution models, as well as innovations in zakat digitisation and community engagement. Waqf – also presented by AZKA-PPZ, highlighting best practices in waqf management, legal frameworks, and potential integration with modern investment tools for sustainable impact. Crowdfunding in Islamic Social Finance – discussed by Dr. Muhammad Shahrul Ifwat Ishak, analysing emerging platforms and their potential in mobilising funds for social good under Shariah principles. AZKA-PPZ’s Role As the knowledge arm of PPZ-MAIWP, AZKA’s involvement was twofold: contributing content for the chapters on zakat and waqf, and engaging in peer discussions to ensure coherence between the academic narrative and on-the-ground realities of Islamic social finance implementation. This dual perspective — grounded in institutional practice yet mindful of scholarly discourse — helped bridge the gap between theory and application. AZKA also shared case studies from PPZ-MAIWP’s experience, particularly on governance frameworks, community-based initiatives, and the integration of technology in zakat services. Strengthening the Knowledge Ecosystem The workshop was not only about content refinement but also about building professional networks and reinforcing shared objectives. By bringing together subject-matter experts from both academia and industry, the programme underscored the importance of collaboration in developing resources that can guide future research, policy, and operational excellence in Islamic social finance. AZKA-PPZ values this opportunity to contribute to a publication that aspires to be a definitive reference in the field. Once completed, the book is expected to support the growth of Islamic social finance knowledge and practice — not only in Malaysia but across the global Muslim community.