This paper develops a conceptual framework for integrating zakat and waqf as complementary instruments aimed at sustainable economic empowerment. The two main pillars of Islamic social finance, zakat and waqf, have historically and theologically pursued complementing social goals of the public interest (maslahah), social protection, and poverty alleviation. In many Muslim-majority nations, waqf (an endowment intended to produce enduring public benefit) and zakat (a redistributive, mandatory alms giving) have mainly functioned in separate institutional and legal frameworks while having a similar goal of improving human welfare and acts of worship. This paper aims to discuss the strategic integration of zakat and waqf, particularly in contemporary forms like cash waqf, zakat-funded waqf seed capital, and joint zakat-waqf impact programs, to significantly increase the resource base for programs aimed at sustainable economic empowerment, boost the effectiveness of attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and enhance governance and accountability in Islamic social finance. The paper presents an operational framework for integration, addresses governance safeguards and shariah considerations, and provides policy recommendations to practitioners, regulators, and donors using a systematic literature synthesis, comparative models, and illustrative case studies (Indonesia, Malaysia, Nigeria) and contemporary conceptual models. The study concludes that, despite operational, legal, and institutional obstacles, digitally enabled governance, standardized impact indicators, and hybrid public-private partnerships offer practical means to scale zakat-waqf integration for inclusive and sustainable development.
Category: Research Article
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Moral Economy and Islamic Ethics: Re-examining Waqf in the Context of Modern Capitalism
This study investigates the relevance, transformation, and potential revival of waqf (Islamic endowment) as a foundation for moral economy and Islamic ethics in the context of modern capitalism. While traditional Islamic moral economics focuses on equitable wealth distribution and social welfare, current capitalist institutions frequently favor profit maximization, financialization, and market efficiency. This study looks critically at how waqf has historically reduced socioeconomic gaps and how its ideas might be used in modern economic systems to alleviate poverty, social exclusion, and market failures. The paper proposes a normative framework for incorporating waqf into ethical economic strategies that reconcile moral imperatives with capitalist realities, based on doctrinal analysis of Islamic legal texts, a review of contemporary scholarship on moral economy theory, and case studies of modern waqf initiatives. The findings suggest that waqf can serve as a long-term tool for community investment, social safety nets, and value-based economic resilience if legal reform, governance innovation, and ethical institutional frameworks are achieved. The article concludes by advocating policy and institutional options for reviving waqf within global economic systems while maintaining Islamic ethical integrity and modern market efficiency.
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Waqf as a Multidimensional Poverty-Alleviation Mechanism in Africa
Waqf, a perpetual charity endowment with strong roots in Islamic socioeconomic theory, has resurfaced as a practical and multifaceted approach to tackling the enduring and intricate reality of poverty throughout Africa. Waqf institutions have a long history on the continent, but their developmental potential is still largely untapped because of shoddy legislative frameworks, disjointed administration systems, and low public awareness. This study investigates waqf’s potential to serve as a comprehensive strategy for reducing poverty that can produce long-term, sustainable social benefits. The study employed a qualitative research design backed by doctrinal analysis, historical review, and thematic assessment of modern waqf practices. The findings demonstrate how reviving waqf institutions in Africa through contemporary financial models like cash waqf, corporate waqf, and digital waqf platforms can increase funding for necessary services while empowering underprivileged populations through micro-enterprise financing, skill development, and entrepreneurship support. Furthermore, the study contends that waqf’s focus on distributive justice and social solidarity is consistent with modern development frameworks, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those pertaining to poverty alleviation, decent labour, high-quality education, and decreased inequality. It concludes that waqf offers a morally good and community-driven framework that can restore dignity, resilience, and inclusive progress throughout African countries, in addition to an economically sound method of reducing poverty.
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Digital Leadership of School Principals in Strengthening the Learning Ecosystem in the Era of the Merdeka Curriculum at Primary Schools
The digital leadership of school principals plays a crucial role in strengthening the learning ecosystem in the era of the Merdeka Curriculum, especially in primary schools that are adapting to the use of educational technology. The Merdeka Curriculum emphasizes flexibility, project-based learning, and the use of digital tools to support more independent and meaningful learning processes. In this context, school principals act as digital leaders who not only manage schools but also guide the technological vision, enhance teacher competencies, and foster an innovative and responsive school culture in line with digital developments.This study employed a quantitative descriptive approach through surveys conducted with 120 primary school teachers across three districts/cities. The findings revealed three key results. First, 78% of teachers reported an improvement in their competency in using learning applications following the implementation of digital leadership policies by school principals. Second, 72% of schools reported increased collaboration between teachers and parents through school digital platforms, which positively impacted student engagement in learning. Third, 81% of principals utilized digital data (learning dashboards, online assessments, and daily reports) for faster decision-making regarding students’ learning needs. These findings reinforce that digital leadership significantly contributes to the successful implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum and creates a learning ecosystem that is inclusive, adaptive, and relevant to the demands of 21st-century education.
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Digital Leadership of School Principals in Strengthening the Learning Ecosystem in the Era of the Merdeka Curriculum at Primary Schools
The digital leadership of school principals plays a crucial role in strengthening the learning ecosystem in the era of the Merdeka Curriculum, especially in primary schools that are adapting to the use of educational technology. The Merdeka Curriculum emphasizes flexibility, project-based learning, and the use of digital tools to support more independent and meaningful learning processes. In this context, school principals act as digital leaders who not only manage schools but also guide the technological vision, enhance teacher competencies, and foster an innovative and responsive school culture in line with digital developments.This study employed a quantitative descriptive approach through surveys conducted with 120 primary school teachers across three districts/cities. The findings revealed three key results. First, 78% of teachers reported an improvement in their competency in using learning applications following the implementation of digital leadership policies by school principals. Second, 72% of schools reported increased collaboration between teachers and parents through school digital platforms, which positively impacted student engagement in learning. Third, 81% of principals utilized digital data (learning dashboards, online assessments, and daily reports) for faster decision-making regarding students’ learning needs. These findings reinforce that digital leadership significantly contributes to the successful implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum and creates a learning ecosystem that is inclusive, adaptive, and relevant to the demands of 21st-century education.
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The Relevance of Waqf in Supporting Environmental Education and Sustainable Development
Background: Climate change and environmental degradation have become major worldwide issues, particularly in poorer nations. There are still gaps in funding and community-level instruction for sustainable environmental practices, despite global commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Although the Islamic institution of waqf, a type of perpetual charity endowment, has long been important for social welfare, little is known about how it might help with sustainability and environmental education. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the applicability and potential of waqf in advancing sustainable development and environmental education. It looks at how waqf can be set up and used to support environmental initiatives, ecological literacy, and awareness-raising initiatives both inside and outside of Muslim communities. Methodology: Using content analysis of original Islamic law sources, historical case studies, and modern waqf models from nations like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Turkey, a qualitative research approach was used. To learn more about real-world applications and difficulties, semi-structured interviews were also done with community leaders, environmental academics, and waqf officials. Findings: By creating eco-friendly schools, assisting research facilities, financing green technology, and supporting awareness campaigns based on Islamic ecological ideals, waqf can make a substantial contribution to environmental education and sustainable development, according to the study. Examples from history show that waqf holdings were historically utilized to protect public amenities and natural resources like forests and water sources. In certain nations with a majority of Muslims, contemporary waqf organizations are already starting to adjust to sustainability goals. However, because of a lack of knowledge, legal restrictions, and a lack of creativity in waqf management, this integration is still quite low. Limitations: The scope of this study focuses on a few Muslim-majority nations with operational waqf organizations. Access to waqf administrative documents and some parties’ reluctance to reveal financial strategies are further barriers to empirical data. Originality: Waqf is an underutilized financial and educational tool for promoting sustainability and environmental care. Policy changes, community involvement, and strategic alliances that match waqf with international sustainability goals and Islamic environmental norms are necessary to optimize its impact.
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Empowering PGMI Students to Develop AI-Integrated Teaching Materials: Building Ethical and Innovative Future Leaders
The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has brought significant transformation to the field of education, including Islamic elementary teacher education (PGMI). This study aims to explore how PGMI students can be empowered to develop AI-integrated teaching materials that promote innovation, ethical awareness, and leadership readiness for the future. This research employed a qualitative descriptive method involving PGMI students at Universitas Muhammadiyah Riau as the participants. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation of the process of designing, implementing, and evaluating AI-assisted learning media, and analyzed through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The results reveal that students are able to integrate AI creatively and ethically in developing teaching materials. The use of AI enhances students’ technological competence, critical thinking, and creativity while fostering ethical responsibility in technology utilization. Thus, integrating AI into learning media development serves as a strategic effort to prepare PGMI students as innovative and ethical future educators and leaders in Islamic education.
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Integrating Physiology and Health Management in Practice Based On Islamic Medicine
Physiology forms the scientific foundation of modern medicine, linking cellular mechanisms with systemic functions that sustain human life. In the context of contemporary healthcare, understanding physiological principles is not only essential for clinical decision-making but also for effective health management. This study explores the integration of physiological reasoning into health system governance, clinical protocols, and practice management. Through a systematic literature review, this paper examines how physiological understanding informs policies in resource allocation, technology adoption, and service delivery. The findings reveal that physiological literacy among healthcare leaders improves clinical efficiency, enhances patient safety, and supports rational health planning. Therefore, strengthening physiological education and its application in health management is crucial to building sustainable, effective, and patient-centered health systems.
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The Relevance of Waqf in Supporting Environmental Education and Sustainable Development
Background: Climate change and environmental degradation have become major worldwide issues, particularly in poorer nations. There are still gaps in funding and community-level instruction for sustainable environmental practices, despite global commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Although the Islamic institution of waqf, a type of perpetual charity endowment, has long been important for social welfare, little is known about how it might help with sustainability and environmental education. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the applicability and potential of waqf in advancing sustainable development and environmental education. It looks at how waqf can be set up and used to support environmental initiatives, ecological literacy, and awareness-raising initiatives both inside and outside of Muslim communities. Methodology: Using content analysis of original Islamic law sources, historical case studies, and modern waqf models from nations like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Turkey, a qualitative research approach was used. To learn more about real-world applications and difficulties, semi-structured interviews were also done with community leaders, environmental academics, and waqf officials. Findings: By creating eco-friendly schools, assisting research facilities, financing green technology, and supporting awareness campaigns based on Islamic ecological ideals, waqf can make a substantial contribution to environmental education and sustainable development, according to the study. Examples from history show that waqf holdings were historically utilized to protect public amenities and natural resources like forests and water sources. In certain nations with a majority of Muslims, contemporary waqf organizations are already starting to adjust to sustainability goals. However, because of a lack of knowledge, legal restrictions, and a lack of creativity in waqf management, this integration is still quite low. Limitations: The scope of this study focuses on a few Muslim-majority nations with operational waqf organizations. Access to waqf administrative documents and some parties’ reluctance to reveal financial strategies are further barriers to empirical data. Originality: Waqf is an underutilized financial and educational tool for promoting sustainability and environmental care. Policy changes, community involvement, and strategic alliances that match waqf with international sustainability goals and Islamic environmental norms are necessary to optimize its impact.
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Driving Global Transformation through Waqf for a Sustainable Future
In Islamic civilization, one of the most persistent systems for promoting social welfare and economic fairness is the idea of waqf, or Islamic endowment. Long before the emergence of contemporary state welfare systems, Waqf organizations provided funding for social infrastructure, healthcare, education, and water systems, establishing the groundwork for sustainable communal development. This paper explores how Waqf revitalization can provide a revolutionary paradigm for accomplishing 21st-century global sustainability objectives. The study places Waqf in the larger context of ethical finance, social innovation, and sustainable development by utilizing qualitative and comparative analysis. Through an examination of case studies from Malaysia, Indonesia, Turkey, and new projects in Nigeria, the study shows how productive Waqf can promote social resilience, environmental responsibility, and economic inclusion when it is in line with modern financial tools and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN. According to the research findings, Waqf offers a distinctive institutional and moral model for fusing spirituality with contemporary development paradigms because it is a faith-based and values-driven organization. The study comes to the conclusion that Waqf governance can become a worldwide tool of ethical finance and sustainable transformation by being revived and modernized through legal reform, digital transparency, and cross-sector collaboration. The study adds to the current body of knowledge on Islamic social finance and presents Waqf as a feasible route to a more just, inclusive, and sustainable future for all people.
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The Role of Waqf in Agricultural Development and Modernization in North-Eastern Nigeria
Most people in North-Eastern Nigeria still rely on agriculture as their main source of income, but the industry faces several obstacles, including low productivity, antiquated farming methods, restricted access to financing, and the effects of climate change and insecurity. The function of waqf, or Islamic endowment, as a long-term tool for advancing regional agricultural modernization and development is examined in this paper. The paper examines how waqf can be strategically repurposed and used to promote irrigation projects, mechanized farming, land acquisition, and smallholder farmers’ empowerment. It is grounded on Islamic economic principles and is backed by empirical case analysis. Qualitative interviews with waqf administrators, agricultural specialists, religious leaders, and farmers from a few states in the Northeast, such as Borno, Gombe, and Yobe, were used. Additionally, quantitative information from waqf foundations and agricultural institutions was examined. The results show that although waqf is currently underutilized in agriculture, there is a great deal of opportunity to mobilize cash waqf donations and idle waqf lands for farmer training, infrastructure development, and agricultural financing. Furthermore, incorporating waqf into current frameworks for rural development may improve rural livelihoods, employment, and food security. The study comes to the conclusion that mainstreaming waqf into the agricultural sector requires strong institutional reforms, legal frameworks, and public awareness. In order to maximize impact, it suggests modernizing waqf land administration, forming alliances between waqf boards and agricultural cooperatives, and creating waqf-based Agricultural Development Funds. This study adds to the body of knowledge on Islamic social finance and rural development by introducing waqf as a practical and moral means of transforming agriculture in areas impacted by conflict and experiencing economic hardship.
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Community Medicine and Neuroscience Explaining the Biological Mechanisms of Art Interventions
Background: Community medicine increasingly integrates interdisciplinary approaches to address complex determinants of health, including biological, psychological, and social factors. Art-based interventions (ABIs, such as music therapy, visual arts, narrative medicine, and performance) have shown promise in promoting community health, yet their underlying biological mechanisms remain underexplored. Objective: This study aims to examine the contribution of neuroscience in elucidating the mechanisms through which ABIs exert health benefits, thereby reinforcing their scientific legitimacy within the field of community medicine. Methods: A total of 10 peer-reviewed articles were selected based on relevance, methodological quality, and alignment with inclusion criteria. Thematic synthesis and content analysis were used to extract and categorize data on neurological, psychological, and immunological effects of ABIs. Results: The review identified consistent activation of key brain regions, such as the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, anterior cingulate cortex, and insula, during artistic engagement. These neural activities were linked to improvements in emotional regulation, cognitive flexibility, and empathy. Conclusion: Neuroscience provides a biologically grounded explanation for the efficacy of ABIs, validating their integration into community medicine. By influencing neural, endocrine, and immune pathways, ABIs contribute to psychosocial resilience, health promotion, and disease prevention. These findings support the strategic inclusion of arts in public health frameworks, particularly in underserved or culturally diverse communities.