<![CDATA[This study examines how Tuan Guru (TG) in Central Lombok negotiate their socio-religious authority through Islamic philanthropic practices, particularly zakat, infak, and sedekah, in response to state regulation, especially Law No. 23 of 2011 on Zakat Management and the institutional role of the National Amil Zakat Agency (BAZNAS). Employing a qualitative approach, the study identifies three principal strategies of negotiation: (1) selective adaptation to state regulations while preserving institutional autonomy; (2) symbolic resistance through the incorporation of local religious traditions and wisdom into philanthropic practices; and (3) pragmatic collaboration with government welfare programs while maintaining influence over the distribution of charitable funds. The findings indicate that the centralization of zakat management generates tensions by challenging the traditional authority of TG as religious leaders and community-based philanthropic actors. Rather than responding through outright resistance, TG renegotiate their authority by combining charismatic legitimacy, traditional religious authority, and pragmatic engagement with state institutions. Islamic philanthropy thus becomes not merely a religious and welfare practice but also a strategic arena for negotiating state–religion relations. The study contributes to the sociology of religion by demonstrating how philanthropic practices can function as a form of political mediation through which religious actors adapt to bureaucratic governance while preserving locally grounded authority.]]>
