A Critical Analysis of Zakat and Waqf in Sustaining the Development and Survival of Pondok Institution in Kedah

Abstract

In Malaysia, there is an increasing awareness in Zakat and Waqf among the Muslims community in Kedah. There is no doubt that Zakat and Waqf had contributed a lot in the development of Islamic education among the Muslim com- munities especially in Pondok institution which has grown drastically nowadays. Nonprofit Organization (NGO) in Kedah is seen to be the main contributor of Zakat and Waqf to support and sustain the financial development of the Muslim commu- nity in Islamic education and other various socioeconomics projects. Due to such a scenario, the development of the Zakat andWaqf for education in Pondok Institution in Kedah needs to be monitored to maintain the good practice and governance to ensure this institution will develop and survive in the future. The significance of this research is to examine the effect of zakat and waqf contributed by Nonprofit Orga- nization (NGO) in the establishment the survival of Pondok institution in Kedah. This empirical study includes data collection of 100 Nonprofit Organization (NGO), who actively provide zakat and waqf to the Pondok institution in Kedah. A Pondok Development and Performance Framework will be developed based on the previous study and expert opinion from Majlis Agama Islam, Jakim and NGOs to identify the important element in measuring the performance, sustainability, and survival of Pondok in Kedah. This field studies would provide additional information for the government and public to value the Pondok education and hopefully the roles played by the NGO in managing the zakat and waqf for the development of Pondok insti- tution in Kedah will improve and enhance the development of Islamic education system for the Muslim society into a higher level and respectful way.