Malaysia Endorses Baznas as Model for Alms Management

 In a powerful endorsement of innovation in alms management, Malaysian Religious Affairs Minister Mohd Na’im Mokhtar praised Indonesia’s National Alms Agency, Baznas, as a global model at the World Zakat and Waqf Forum (WZWF) Annual Meeting and Conference 2024. With a digital approach to zakat (Islamic alms), Baznas exemplifies a new era of Islamic philanthropy aimed at poverty alleviation, social welfare, and economic equity.

Baznas’s impact has been transformative, showing how digital systems can modernize centuries-old charitable practices, bringing Islamic alms collection and distribution to underserved communities. Mokhtar described Baznas as a “blueprint for effective zakat management” that other countries can adapt to improve economic stability and social well-being.

Baznas as a Model for Alms Management?

Established with a mission to address economic disparity through zakat, Baznas has built a robust digital infrastructure that enables efficient and transparent collection, management, and distribution of funds. Traditional zakat practices were often decentralized and lacked consistent accountability, but Baznas’s model has shifted the paradigm, focusing on scalable digital solutions that align with contemporary needs.

The agency’s digital systems simplify contributions, making it easy for donors to fulfill their religious obligation. Using online platforms and mobile apps, Baznas ensures zakat reaches communities with urgent needs, including areas of healthcare, education, and food security. This streamlined process has strengthened public trust, with contributors able to see real-time impacts and understand exactly where their donations go. Read more>>