This is the Work of Prof Irfan Syauqi Beik in Advancing the World of Zakat in Indonesia
Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Management (FEM) at IPB University, Prof Irfan Syauqi Beik, has long been known as an academic who is consistent in advancing the world of zakat in Indonesia. His work in the field of Islamic economics and zakat management has earned him many prestigious awards.
Most recently, he received the 2025 National Zakat Agency (Baznas) Award in the category of Muslim Intellectual Supporting Zakat for the Welfare of the People.
Prof Irfan is widely known for his intellectual approach that combines material and spiritual aspects, particularly in zakat, infaq, sadaqah, and waqf (ziswaf) programs. Through the CIBEST (Center for Islamic Business and Economic Studies) method, he introduced a model for measuring welfare and poverty from a sharia perspective.
He also consistently emphasizes that zakat must be managed based on the principle of maslahat-oriented, not profit-oriented. Zakat, he said, has spiritual, socio-economic, and political dimensions.
“The zakat system cannot be forced to submit to profit-oriented business logic, because its essence is maslahat-oriented, even zero profit,” said this Sharia Economics Expert when giving a statement at the Constitutional Court, Jakarta, on (5/28).
On several occasions, Prof Irfan has often said that Indonesia is an ideal model for zakat regulation. This is supported by inclusive regulations in Law Number 23 of 2011 concerning Zakat Management. This regulation accommodates the role of the private sector in zakat management.
“Malaysia and Saudi Arabia are currently the best administrative models for zakat management. However, both countries strictly do not accommodate the role of the private sector. Zakat is entirely managed by the government,” explained Prof Irfan.
As an economist, Prof Irfan is not only active as a lecturer, but he has also won various prestigious awards. Prof. Irfan is listed in the top 100 Indonesian scientists in the field of economics according to the AD Scientific Index. He also won the 2021 Bank Indonesia Award (BI Award) and was named the Best Sharia Social Economy Activist by Bank Indonesia.
“I am grateful to Baznas for this award and trust. I pray that Baznas can continue to play a role in optimizing zakat for the welfare of the people. I am also grateful to all parties who have worked together to advance the beloved world of zakat,” said Prof Irfan in his written statement.
Prof Irfan hopes that the role of zakat will become increasingly significant in eradicating poverty. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the central government, local governments, Baznas, and zakat management institutions (LAZ). This collaboration can support zakat as an effective instrument for the welfare of the community. (MHT) (IAAS/FMT)
