Darulfunun Institute

Institute for Development, Research and Initiatives (IDRIS)

Category: Research Article

  • Waqf-Based Financing Models for Integrating Artificial Intelligence into Nigerian Educational Curriculum: Infrastructure, Policy, and Sustainability Perspectives

    » Journal of Regional Development and Technology Initiatives

    The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education is a growing global priority, particularly in addressing digital competencies and improving teaching quality. However, Nigeria faces significant challenges in adopting AI due to inadequate infrastructure, investment, and skilled personnel. This chapter discusses the potential of waqf (Islamic endowment) as a sustainable funding strategy to support AI in education, focusing on infrastructure, policy alignment, and long-term sustainability. It highlights traditional waqf’s historical role in financing education and proposes a waqf-based financing model that incorporates infrastructural development, governance frameworks, and sustainability. This research employs a qualitative and conceptual layout focused on Islamic social finance literature and artificial intelligence in education and infrastructural development in Nigeria. It uses a comparative analysis of successful waqf-based educational financing models from selected Muslim countries, proposing a conceptual framework for a waqf financing model that integrates infrastructure development, policy alignment, governance structures, and sustainability mechanisms for AI in education. This approach aims to reposition waqf to support digital transformation, reduce educational inequality, and promote sustainable educational advancement in Nigeria. The model aims to bridge the digital divide through well-targeted waqf investments, promoting equitable access to education. It also calls for regulatory support for waqf integration into national strategies and emphasizes governance transparency. By fostering human capital development among educators and addressing ethical concerns, waqf initiatives can ensure responsible AI integration. The chapter draws insights from successful waqf models in other countries to advocate for a strategic reorientation of Islamic finance to meet technological needs in Nigeria’s education system, ultimately fostering educational innovation and sustainable development.

  • Waqf-Based Financing Models for Integrating Artificial Intelligence into Nigerian Educational Curriculum: Infrastructure, Policy, and Sustainability Perspectives

    » Journal of Regional Development and Technology Initiatives

    The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education is a growing global priority, particularly in addressing digital competencies and improving teaching quality. However, Nigeria faces significant challenges in adopting AI due to inadequate infrastructure, investment, and skilled personnel. This chapter discusses the potential of waqf (Islamic endowment) as a sustainable funding strategy to support AI in education, focusing on infrastructure, policy alignment, and long-term sustainability. It highlights traditional waqf’s historical role in financing education and proposes a waqf-based financing model that incorporates infrastructural development, governance frameworks, and sustainability. This research employs a qualitative and conceptual layout focused on Islamic social finance literature and artificial intelligence in education and infrastructural development in Nigeria. It uses a comparative analysis of successful waqf-based educational financing models from selected Muslim countries, proposing a conceptual framework for a waqf financing model that integrates infrastructure development, policy alignment, governance structures, and sustainability mechanisms for AI in education. This approach aims to reposition waqf to support digital transformation, reduce educational inequality, and promote sustainable educational advancement in Nigeria. The model aims to bridge the digital divide through well-targeted waqf investments, promoting equitable access to education. It also calls for regulatory support for waqf integration into national strategies and emphasizes governance transparency. By fostering human capital development among educators and addressing ethical concerns, waqf initiatives can ensure responsible AI integration. The chapter draws insights from successful waqf models in other countries to advocate for a strategic reorientation of Islamic finance to meet technological needs in Nigeria’s education system, ultimately fostering educational innovation and sustainable development.

  • Zakat and Shared Prosperity: Framework for Sustainable Society

    » AL-IMAM: Journal on Islamic Studies, Civilization and Learning Societies

    This study aims to construct a conceptual framework that explains how zakat contributes to shared prosperity and supports the development of a sustainable society. It seeks to model measurable links between zakat distribution and key social-sector indicators, such as poverty, education, employment, health, and household welfare, using the available national indicators. The study builds a conceptual framework that integrates zakat and shared prosperity within sustainability theory. The zakat is effective in reducing vulnerabilities and promoting shared prosperity within four objective indicators, which are reduced poverty, better education, improved health, and economic inclusion. This study is primarily conceptual, and therefore, it needs further simulated empirical modelling on the availability and quality of real-world datasets. Many national statistics data variables are not directly relevant as data sources for zakat impact, which can lead to more integrated data available for shared prosperity. The results can assist zakat institutions in improving targeting accuracy, designing evidence-based intervention programs, and aligning zakat distribution with national poverty-reduction strategies. Policymakers may use the framework to integrate zakat into broader social protection systems and data integration. By demonstrating how zakat contributes to shared prosperity, the study reinforces zakat’s role in reducing inequality, strengthening social cohesion, and enhancing the welfare of vulnerable groups. It also promotes a sustainable society where economic justice and moral responsibility converge. This study offers a unique combination of conceptual theory and empirical modelling for zakat effectiveness, supported by a measurable framework tied to national indicators. It is among the first to propose a scalable zakat–shared-prosperity model, enabling future studies to replicate, refine, and apply the approach in policy and institutional settings.

  • Zakat and Shared Prosperity: Framework for Sustainable Society

    » AL-IMAM: Journal on Islamic Studies, Civilization and Learning Societies

    This study aims to construct a conceptual framework that explains how zakat contributes to shared prosperity and supports the development of a sustainable society. It seeks to model measurable links between zakat distribution and key social-sector indicators, such as poverty, education, employment, health, and household welfare, using the available national indicators. The study builds a conceptual framework that integrates zakat and shared prosperity within sustainability theory. The zakat is effective in reducing vulnerabilities and promoting shared prosperity within four objective indicators, which are reduced poverty, better education, improved health, and economic inclusion. This study is primarily conceptual, and therefore, it needs further simulated empirical modelling on the availability and quality of real-world datasets. Many national statistics data variables are not directly relevant as data sources for zakat impact, which can lead to more integrated data available for shared prosperity. The results can assist zakat institutions in improving targeting accuracy, designing evidence-based intervention programs, and aligning zakat distribution with national poverty-reduction strategies. Policymakers may use the framework to integrate zakat into broader social protection systems and data integration. By demonstrating how zakat contributes to shared prosperity, the study reinforces zakat’s role in reducing inequality, strengthening social cohesion, and enhancing the welfare of vulnerable groups. It also promotes a sustainable society where economic justice and moral responsibility converge. This study offers a unique combination of conceptual theory and empirical modelling for zakat effectiveness, supported by a measurable framework tied to national indicators. It is among the first to propose a scalable zakat–shared-prosperity model, enabling future studies to replicate, refine, and apply the approach in policy and institutional settings.

  • Reinterpreting Waqf in Light of Contemporary Socio-Economic Realities

    » Perwakilan: Journal of Good Governance, Diplomacy, Customary Institutionalization and Social Networks

    Waqf (Islamic endowment) has historically been a key driver of socioeconomic development in Muslim cultures, funding education, healthcare, social welfare, and public infrastructure. However, conventional waqf administration and utilization strategies have struggled to adequately address modern socioeconomic concerns like as poverty, unemployment, urbanization, financial isolation, and inadequate institutional governance. This research investigates the importance of reinterpreting waqf within the context of present socioeconomic realities while maintaining true to its classical juristic roots. The study uses a qualitative and analytical approach on Qur’anic principles, Prophetic traditions, classical fiqh literature, and modern Islamic finance scholarship to explore how waqf can be revitalized through innovative instruments, institutional reforms, and integration with modern economic systems. The research advocates for a maq??id al-shar??ah-oriented reinterpretation of waqf, which provides for greater flexibility in asset management, investment strategies, and governance structures while maintaining its perpetual and benevolent nature. The findings demonstrate the ability of contemporary waqf models such as cash waqf, corporate waqf, waqf-based social finance, and public-private partnerships to satisfy current developmental requirements in a sustainable manner. The research concludes that reinterpreting waqf in light of current socioeconomic conditions is not a departure from Islamic tradition, but rather a necessary evolution that can reposition waqf as a dynamic tool for inclusive growth, social justice, and sustainable development in today’s Muslim world.

  • A Complementary Zakat–Waqf Integrated Model for Sustainable Economic Empowerment Programs

    » AL-IMAM: Journal on Islamic Studies, Civilization and Learning Societies

    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.

  • A Complementary Zakat–Waqf Integrated Model for Sustainable Economic Empowerment Programs

    » AL-IMAM: Journal on Islamic Studies, Civilization and Learning Societies

    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.

  • Moral Economy and Islamic Ethics: Re-examining Waqf in the Context of Modern Capitalism

    » Perwakilan: Journal of Good Governance, Diplomacy, Customary Institutionalization and Social Networks

    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.

  • Waqf as a Multidimensional Poverty-Alleviation Mechanism in Africa

    » WAQF Business Review

    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.

  • Waqf as a Multidimensional Poverty-Alleviation Mechanism in Africa

    » WAQF Business Review

    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.

  • Digital Leadership of School Principals in Strengthening the Learning Ecosystem in the Era of the Merdeka Curriculum at Primary Schools

    » Perwakilan: Journal of Good Governance, Diplomacy, Customary Institutionalization and Social Networks

    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.

  • Digital Leadership of School Principals in Strengthening the Learning Ecosystem in the Era of the Merdeka Curriculum at Primary Schools

    » Perwakilan: Journal of Good Governance, Diplomacy, Customary Institutionalization and Social Networks

    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.