Improving the Quality of Life of People with Disability through Zakat: A Zakat Utilization Model Canvas Perspective

Islam upholds the principle of equality for all individuals, regardless of their disability status. The sole distinction between people lies in their level of piety. However, in reality, people with disabilities (PWD) continue to face various forms of discrimination, ranging from education and employment to societal stigma, hindering their ability to improve their quality of life. Furthermore, the exclusion of PWD from the economy can result in a national GDP loss of up to 7% per year. Zakat optimization presents a potential solution to enhance the lives of PWD. In this context, PWD can be classified under the asnaf of fakir (the poor) and/or miskin (the destitute). Their categorization as fakir stems from their limitations in meeting basic needs, while their classification as miskin is supported by data and research indicating a strong correlation between disability and poverty. Unfortunately, the attention given to PWD within the zakat system remains relatively low. Therefore, employing a qualitative research methodology, this paper delves into the distribution of zakat in the disability sector and proposes an integrated distribution model for PWD. This model entails grouping PWD based on their age and work capabilities before providing appropriate assistance. Additionally, utilizing the Zakat Utilization Model Canvas (ZUMC), this paper explores the ideal planning framework for disability programs that can be implemented by zakat institutions. ZUMC adopts a holistic approach, considering not only the commercial aspects of programs but also the empowerment of mustahik (zakat recipients) in each element. This paper aims to contribute to the still-limited research on zakat and disability in Indonesia

What Drive Islamic Financial Inclusion in Banda Aceh City?

This empirical study explores the role of Islamic financial literacy in strengthening Islamic financial inclusion through financial technology, digital finance, and social capital. Analyzing 385 respondents using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), the findings reveal significant direct effects of Islamic financial literacy on financial technology, digital finance, and social capital. Additionally, these factors collectively impact Islamic financial inclusion. Mediating effects demonstrate that financial technology, digital finance, and social capital mediate the influence of Islamic financial literacy on Islamic financial inclusion. Implications include the prioritization of Islamic finance education to enhance public understanding and the need for collaborative efforts to establish Shariah-compliant financial technology infrastructure. Fostering social capital is crucial, reducing resistance to change and increasing participation in Islamic financial services. The study underscores an integrated approach, combining education, technological innovation, and social capital development for robust Islamic financial inclusion, promoting sustainable economic growth

Identification of Food Expenditure and Food Security of Muslim Households: Evidence from Indonesian Family Life Survey 2007 and 2014

This study examines the impact of religiosity on household food consumption and food security in Indonesia, particularly among Muslim households. Despite the acknowledgment of religious factors in food-related policies, limited research has explored their specific influence on food expenditure and security. Using longitudinal data from the Indonesian Family Life Survey (IFLS) covering 2007 and 2014, this study analyzes food expenditure and food security levels among Muslim households, employing the Propensity Score Matching (PSM) model. The analysis includes variables such as age, education, marital status, employment, and gender. Findings reveal that religiosity negatively influences food expenditure, both in total and per capita, suggesting that religious households tend to spend less on food. Moreover, Muslim households demonstrate higher levels of food security, often reporting moderate or adequate food security, compared to non-religious households. This indicates a potential protective effect of religiosity on food stability. The study recommends integrating financial education programs that emphasize frugality and mindful consumption. Additionally, strengthening community-based support systems, such as zakat and sadaqah, could play a crucial role in improving food assistance and security

Strategic Financial Planning in the Context of Sharia Principles: A Study of Indonesia’s Sandwich Generation

This study investigates the factors influencing the intention of Indonesia's sandwich generation to adopt sharia-compliant financial planning. With a focus on attitudes, knowledge, subjective norms, financial self-efficacy, and religiosity, this research aims to clarify how these elements shape the behavioral intentions of individuals responsible for financially supporting both older and younger family members. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior as a framework, the study conducted a survey across key regions of Java and applied PLS-SEM for data analysis. The findings reveal that while attitudes and knowledge have a limited direct effect on the intention to engage in sharia-compliant financial planning, subjective norms, financial self-efficacy, and religiosity exhibit a significant positive influence. These results underscore the importance of social support, personal financial confidence, and religious values in fostering sharia-compliant financial behavior within this demographic. The study provides insights for policymakers and financial institutions aiming to enhance financial literacy and sharia-compliant practices among Indonesia’s sandwich generation

Driving Factor of Indonesian Muslims' Intention in Household Food Waste Management: Generational Comparison

Food waste in Indonesia is predicted to increase if the problems are not taken seriously. The role of food waste management is essential to reduce its effects on the environment, society, and economy. Studies on the driven factor of intention to manage household food waste between generations are still limited. We address this gap by developing a research model with the Theory of Interpersonal Behavior includes economic and religiosity factors to explain food waste management behavioral intention between generations. The result shows that anticipated guilt, sense of community, awareness of consequences, environmental knowledge, financial concern, and religiosity are positively associated with managing food waste in generations Y and Z. However, this study did not find a significant relationship between financial concern and recycling intention. Further, anticipated guilt did not have an impact on the reuse intention of Generation Y, financial concern factor did not significant on the reuse intention of Generation Z, and religiosity did not show an impactful effect on reducing, reusing, and recycling intentions of Generation Z. The findings provide implications for developing strategies to encourage food waste management in Indonesia household.&nbsp

Digital Transparency and Consumer Awareness: Digital Platforms for Educating Consumers about Product Origins and Sustainability

This paper investigates the role of digital transparency in enhancing consumer awareness of product origins and sustainability. As consumers increasingly seek to make informed, ethically aligned purchasing decisions, digital platforms - such as blockchain-enabled systems, mobile apps, and e-commerce sites - offer a medium for brands to communicate supply chain transparency. Through a comprehensive literature review, this article examines how transparency practices impact consumer trust, decision-making, and the adoption of sustainable products. Findings reveal that while digital platforms can significantly influence ethical consumption, their effectiveness depends on the clarity, accessibility, and perceived credibility of information presented. Key challenges, including greenwashing and information overload, can hinder transparency efforts, thereby reducing consumer trust. Additionally, stakeholder theory and the theory of planned behaviour provide insights into the ethical responsibilities of brands and the cognitive factors shaping consumer choices. Practical recommendations are offered, including the need for simplified, interactive transparency tools and collaboration with third-party certifiers to enhance authenticity. The study highlights the importance of evolving digital transparency practices to meet the ethical demands of modern consumers and suggests ways for future research to explore the impact of transparency across diverse consumer segments and regions

Strategi Peningkatan Distribusi Zakat Profesi UPZ Al Hurriyyah di Sekitar Masyarakat Lingkar Kampus IPB

The distribution of professional zakat funds from the Al-Hurriyyah IPB Zakat Collection Unit (UPZ) focuses on the educational sector, namely in the form of scholarships for IPB students who meet the criteria. However, this shows that distribution at UPZ Al-Hurriyyah IPB has not been optimal because it only focuses on one area, namely the educational scholarship program for IPB students who need UKT assistance and living costs. There needs to be other programs, such as community economic empowerment programs, so that the distribution of professional zakat in UPZ al-Hurriyyah is more even in distribution. This research aims to determine strategies for increasing the distribution of professional zakat at UPZ Al-Hurriyyah. The method used in the research is qualitative with ANP-SWOT analysis. The data used is primary data from questionnaires distributed to five respondents. The results of the research show that the threat aspect is a priority that influences UPZ Al-Hurriyyah in distributing professional zakat funds. Weaknesses, opportunities and strengths are the next priority in the ANP-SWOT analysis. The strategy recommendations that can be given include strengthening branding through offline and online platforms

The Role of Technology Readiness in Islamic Financial Technology Acceptance Among MSMEs: An Empirical Integration Analysis TPB and TAM Framework

Indonesia with the largest Muslim population in the world is expected to become the world's leading Islamic finance center. With a large Islamic economic base, Islamic FinTech has an important role in economic expansion in Indonesia. MSMEs as an instrument of economic growth in Indonesia, are expected to maximize the presence of Islamic financial technology for efficient and effective payments, expand market access, and facilitate access to finance and capital. On the other hand, the technology readiness of MSMEs is an important factor that needs to be investigated to see the acceptance of MSMEs towards the use of Islamic financial technology in Indonesia. This study analyzes the factors that influence MSMEs' intention to use Islamic FinTech services. This study involved 140 MSMEs from several regions in Indonesia as respondents. The analysis used partial least square structural equation modeling (SEM-PLS). By the objectives, four variables from TPB and TAM influence the intention to use Islamic financial technology, namely Islamic religiosity, ease of use, usefulness, and technology readiness. Finally, technology readiness is strongly correlated to the use of Islamic financial technology. The results of this study provide a comprehensive perspective for policymakers to improve the quality of applications so that it will also increase the intention of MSMEs to adopt Islamic FinTech. The results of this study can also be input, especially for the Financial Services Authority (OJK) to be able to promote Islamic FinTech and coordinate with Islamic FinTech to be able to provide the best service to users

Determinant Factors Influencing the Interest in Halal Certification: The Perspective of MSMEs in Indonesia

The halal industry is overgrowing, including in Indonesia, with the largest Muslim population in the world. Indonesia is ranked 19th as a producer and ranked 3rd as a consumer in the global halal industry. Although one of the halal certifications for MSMEs is free, only 1% of MSMEs in Indonesia are already halal certified. This study aims to analyze empirically the factors that influence the intensity of MSMEs in Indonesia to register for halal certification. A quantitative approach is used in this research by distributing questionnaires using the Likert scale to MSMEs. A total of 122 valid data collected were analyzed by adopting SEM-PLS. The analysis found that external factors had a dominant influence on the intention of MSMEs to register their products in halal certification, consumer pressure with a t-statistic of 4.328, and government policies with a t-statistic of 2.976. Moreover, one of the internal factors, awareness, is accepted with a t-statistic of 2.065. Meanwhile, benefits, competitors, and religiosity are not proven to affect halal certification. The data will help plan interventions from the government to encourage MSMEs to register their products in halal certification. The government should focus on assisting halal certification for MSMEs intensively

Revisiting Mudharabah Investment Account and Proposal for Improvement – Case of Indonesia

The rapid growth of Islamic banks is accompanied by various innovations in Islamic financial transactions which generally seem to follow the product diversity and risk profile of conventional banks. This innovation is also carried out in the application of mudharabah particularly in the Profit-Sharing Investment Account (PSIA). Mudharabah, whose original form is equity, has been adapted by Islamic banks by treating it just like a normal deposit whith the exception that the profit is calcualted based on a ratio, resulting difficulties to distinguish it from conventional bank deposits which are debt in nature. This research aims to evaluate the implementation of mudharabah in PSIA in Indonesia, by conducting field survey and interviews with parties whom responsible for managing it and comparing it with Sharia Standard issued by Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) and fatwas of National Sharia Council of Indonesian Ulama Council (DSN-MUI). The research revealed that although PSIA return is calculated using profit distribution ratio (as mudharabah core feature), it lacks other main features of mudharabah, be it in its nature or profit or loss determination method. To rectify this deviation, this research proposes an operational model of mudharabah termed “the Quasi Equity Model", which meets the main features of mudharabah as envisaged by AAOIFI and DSN-MUI. This study contributes to the field of Islamic finance by not only identifying existing discrepancies but also proposing a practical model for addressing them, thus aligning it back to sharia principles within Islamic banking practices