Referensi Islamika: Jurnal Studi Islam
Vol. 4 No. 4 (2026): AUGUST

A proposed mosque-based zakat microfinance model for community economic empowerment

Aan Zainul Anwar (Universitas Islam Nahdlatul Ulama Jepara)
Silviana Pebruary (Universitas Islam Nahdlatul Ulama Jepara)
Buhari Lawal (Sokoto State Zakat and Endowment Commission)



Article Info

Publish Date
28 Aug 2026

Abstract

This study aims to formulate a proposed model for mosque-based Zakat Microfinance to address capital constraints among mosque congregants. These constraints are primarily driven by high dependency on usury-based (riba) conventional financing, and this model seeks to facilitate a transition toward Islamic financial systems. This study employs an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 104 congregants, direct observation, and in-depth interviews with key informants. The research procedure comprised four stages: pre-survey, field data collection, data reduction and thematic coding, and formulation of the operational model. Data analysis integrates descriptive statistics with an interactive analytical approach. The findings reveal that although the literacy rate regarding Zakat Microfinance is relatively low (28.85%), there is an overwhelming acceptance (98.08%) of collateral-free financing based on qard al-hasan contracts. Based on these findings, a Zakat Microfinance model was formulated that integrates mosque management board (ta'mir masjid), zakat institutions, business consultants, and Islamic organization leaders as a supervisory board. The model leverages digital technology through a modified Cash Management System (CMS) and incorporates innovative repayment systems via QRIS for each mosque congregant. This study was conducted within a single regional and institutional setting, employed non-probability sampling, relied partly on stated intentions, and has not yet implemented the proposed financing model. The originality of this study lies in the formulation of a communal social banking model based on the mosque ecosystem, which has the potential to generate moral collateral through the social control mechanisms of the mosque community.. This moral collateral is established through the social control mechanism of the mosque community, which replaces traditional physical collateral in micro-financing systems.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

RI

Publisher

Subject

Religion Humanities

Description

Qur’anic and Hadith Studies Studies on Qur’anic exegesis (tafsir), ulum al-Qur’an, ulum al-hadith, thematic studies, and contemporary approaches to understanding the primary sources of Islamic teachings. Islamic Thought and Philosophy Research on classical and contemporary Islamic thought, ...