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On Monday, 28 April 2025, the Islamic Social Finance Research Centre (ISF) of Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) made a courtesy visit to the Zakat Academy (AZKA) at PPZ-Majlis Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan (MAIWP) for an initial dialogue on potential collaboration. The visit was led by Associate Professor Dr. Muhammad Shahrul Ifwat bin Ishak, Director of ISF. A Step Towards Institutional Synergy The purpose of the meeting was to explore and establish strategic academic and research-based collaborations in the field of Islamic Social Finance, particularly zakat, waqf, and related socio-economic empowerment efforts. The session included a presentation on the background and aspirations of ISF-UniSZA, followed by an open discussion on: Research collaboration in Islamic finance and zakat policy development Joint academic and professional training initiatives Student engagement, including industrial attachments and knowledge exchange Visibility efforts through platforms like the proposed “AZKA Corner” and co-branded outreach programmes Shared Vision for Societal Impact Both institutions share a commitment to advancing the ecosystem of Islamic social finance in Malaysia through rigorous research, academic development, and community engagement. The visit reflects the growing interest among academic institutions to partner with operational bodies like AZKA to translate theory into impactful practice, particularly in addressing real-world economic challenges through Islamic solutions.

The Zakat Academy (AZKA) of PPZ-MAIWP has officially launched a collaborative research project with Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) titled “Zakat on Crude Palm Oil Futures (FCPO): A Fiqh Analysis and Methodology for Calculation”. This pioneering study is led by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ridhwan Ab. Aziz, a prominent scholar in Islamic economics from the Faculty of Economics and Muamalat, USIM, alongside a research team from UNISZA and UTM. Background of the Study Crude Palm Oil (CPO) is one of Malaysia’s key agricultural commodities, widely traded through futures contracts on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives under the product known as FCPO. These contracts, certified as Shariah-compliant by the Securities Commission Malaysia, serve as a benchmark for global palm oil pricing. Despite its compliance with Shariah principles, there remains a lack of clarity regarding the zakat obligations arising from FCPO transactions. This is particularly crucial given the financial significance of FCPO trading and its widespread participation among investors and industry players. Objectives and Significance This study aims to address several pressing questions, including: Should profits from FCPO trades be subject to zakat? What type of zakat is applicable—business zakat, agricultural zakat, or both? Who exactly is obligated to pay zakat—the farmer, investor, trader, or financial intermediary? Using a rigorous takyif fiqhi (fiqh-based classification) approach, the research seeks to clarify the Islamic legal framework and propose accurate zakat calculation methodologies for this modern financial instrument. Methodology The study will be conducted over a six-month period using qualitative research methods, including: Literature review and fiqh analysis on relevant zakat categories Expert interviews involving practitioners and Shariah scholars Case analysis and practical recommendations based on real-world FCPO trading scenarios Expected Outcomes This initiative is expected to result in a comprehensive fiqh framework and calculation model for zakat on FCPO. The findings may also guide the formulation of official guidelines by zakat authorities and Islamic finance institutions. By addressing this modern issue, the study aligns with the goal of enhancing zakat collection through new financial avenues while ensuring compliance with Islamic jurisprudence.

“Zakat in Malaysia” is a comprehensive publication by Pusat Pungutan Zakat (PPZ-MAIWP) that outlines the structure, history, and implementation of zakat administration in Malaysia. The document highlights the country’s unique dual-level system where zakat matters fall under the jurisdiction of each State Islamic Religious Council (IRC), while the Federal Territories are managed by MAIWP. The publication traces the historical development of zakat administration, with a special focus on the formation of PPZ-MAIWP in 1991, which marked a transformation through the adoption of a corporate and digital approach to zakat collection. This corporatisation allowed for improved efficiency, transparency, and reach. It describes the three main administrative models for zakat management in Malaysia: fully state-managed, fully corporatised, and hybrid models involving both state authorities and corporate entities. It also showcases the roles of JAKIM (Department of Islamic Development Malaysia) and JAWHAR in coordinating Islamic affairs at the federal level, particularly in harmonising zakat regulations and development. The document further elaborates on zakat distribution mechanisms, detailing various assistance programmes for the eight asnaf groups (zakat-eligible beneficiaries) including welfare, education, medical, economic, housing, and spiritual development. It highlights the challenges of urban poverty, particularly in the Federal Territories, and the need for contextualised zakat distribution frameworks that consider the high cost of living in urban areas. Finally, the publication promotes various digital payment channels and innovative services introduced by PPZ-MAIWP to make zakat payment more accessible and efficient. These include mobile counters, online portals, auto-debit services, and the MyZakat mobile app. Conclusion:This document positions Malaysia as a leading model in zakat administration, combining traditional Islamic principles with modern governance and technology. It serves as a valuable reference for policymakers, zakat practitioners, academics, and the broader public committed to empowering the Islamic social finance ecosystem. Download here: https://azka.zakat.com.my/books/

Pelajar-pelejar Diploma Kewangan Islam (DIF) dari Jabatan Perdagangan, Politeknik Nilai telah berkunjung bagi mengadakan lawatan akademik ke Pusat Pungutan Zakat (PPZ-MAIWP) di Bahagian Akademi Zakat. Lawatan telah berlangsung pada 14 April 2025 (Isnin) melibatkan seramai 22 orang pelajar. Tujuan utama lawatan ini adalah untuk memberikan pendedahan secara langsung berkaitan pengajaran dan pembelajaran (PdP) kepada pelajar semester tiga bagi kursus DPD30103 – Islamic Social Finance. Fokus lawatan ini adalah untuk memahami secara lebih mendalam mengenai proses kutipan dan agihan zakat, khususnya kepada golongan asnaf fisabilillah. Ia juga merupakan peluang bagi pelajar untuk melihat bagaimana konsep fiqh zakat diaplikasikan dalam sistem pengurusan moden. Di samping itu, pihak politeknik turut menyatakan minat yang tinggi untuk mendapatkan penjelasan lanjut mengenai inisiatif AZKA Corner yang telah dilaksanakan di beberapa institusi pendidikan lain di Malaysia. Mereka berminat untuk meneroka potensi kerjasama dengan PPZ-MAIWP dalam merealisasikan AZKA Corner di Politeknik Nilai sebagai usaha memperluas akses ilmu zakat kepada para pelajar.

Assalamualaikum. Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri buat semua muslimin dan muslimat. Ucapan dengan ingatan tulus ikhlas dari saya dan keluarga. تَقَبَّلَ اللَّهُ مِنَّا وَمِنْكُم صالح ﺍﻷﻋﻤﺎﻝ Taqabbalallahu minna waminkum shoolihal ‘amaal “Semoga Allah menerima dari kami dan dari kamu amalan-amalan kebaikan” MAAF ZAHIR DAN BATIN atas segala kekhilafan.