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Amelia Fauzia
Although the term ‘philanthropy’ is relatively new in Indonesia, and there is no precise translation for it as yet, the practice of philanthropy has existed for centuries. In Indonesia, as in other Islamic communities, Islamic charity is a form of philanthropy. Philanthropy can take the form of zakat (tithes), infak / sedekah (alms) and waqaf (religious foundations or property donated for religious or community use). It aims to enhance community empowerment and economic justice. |
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The majority of contributions are personal, in the form of zakat, sedekah, and wakaf. There are two types of zakat: zakat fitrah, is given at idul fitri, the celebration at the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. It is usually in the form of money and basic food. This is given directly to poorer members of the community. Zakat mal, which is taken as a percentage (2.5 to 5 per cent) of ones total wealth (rather than simply income), when ones total wealth reaches a certain level. Those whose total wealth never reaches this point are not obliged to pay zakat mal. |
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Sedekah is often in the form of food, money, clothes, and other short-term consumer goods, and is usually given directly to those people in immediate need. To date, very little sedekah has been distributed via formal organisations. |
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Islamic philanthropy has great potential to empower the community. Unfortunately, in the past, resources generated by Islamic philanthropy have not always been managed professionally. Neither have they been distributed appropriately or in a clearly targeted manner. The late New Order used zakat to weaken traditional religious institutions, as the management of zakat was undermined and sedekah became a mere formality. |
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However, things have improved over the last ten years, with the establishment of several strong and capable philanthropic organisations, such as Dompet Dhuafa. Dompet Dhuafa and similar organisations manage zakat and sedekah money effectively to provide short-term community welfare. While this short-term charity used for procuring every-day consumer goods is necessary, Indonesia needs to develop sustainable, broad-based Islamic philanthropy to increase grassroots community development initiatives. |
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Nevertheless, waqaf and sedekah do pay for religious education, such as in pesantren and madrasah (religious boarding schools), which have been able to remain financially independent to a large degree. Contributions are given to kyai (Islamic scholars) and ulama (Islamic scholar-religious leaders), which are then used to pay teachers and develop the school. |
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Large religious social organisations such as Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah are in a similar position in that they are sustained by member contributions. These organisations have a great capacity to provide education, health, micro-finance, and other community services at the grassroots. |
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