Islamic Philanthropy Governance for Poverty Alleviation: Evidence from Probolinggo, Indonesia

Febry Suprapto (Institut Ahmad Dahlan Probolinggo)
Ahmad Syaifuddin Romli (Institut Ahmad Dahlan Probolinggo)

Al-hikmah : International Journal of Islamic Studies
Vol. 1 No. 1 (2025): JUNI

Islamic philanthropy has significant potential to contribute to poverty alleviation, yet its effectiveness depends not only on the volume of charitable funds collected but also on the quality of institutional governance, accountability, and beneficiary empowerment. This study examines how Islamic philanthropy governance operates to support poverty alleviation in Probolinggo, Indonesia, with particular attention to the mechanisms linking Islamic values, institutional management, and community empowerment. The study employed a qualitative approach using an interpretive case study design. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, field observations, and supporting questionnaires involving beneficiaries, philanthropic institution managers, religious leaders, and community representatives selected purposively. The data were analysed using thematic analysis through familiarisation, coding, theme development, review, and interpretation, while credibility was strengthened through source and methodological triangulation and member checking. The findings identified four interrelated dimensions of Islamic philanthropy governance: institutional accountability and transparency, Shariah-based governance, participatory distribution mechanisms, and empowerment-oriented philanthropic transformation. Accountability and transparency strengthened institutional legitimacy and public trust, while Shariah principles such as amanah, ‘adl, and maslahah provided ethical foundations for fund management and beneficiary selection. Participatory governance further positioned beneficiaries as active actors rather than passive recipients, encouraging a transition from consumptive assistance toward productive empowerment. The study concludes that effective Islamic philanthropy requires an integrated governance model combining Shariah legitimacy, professional management, stakeholder collaboration, and sustainable empowerment. Such integration enables zakat, infak, and sedekah to function not merely as charitable instruments but as locally grounded mechanisms of social development and sustainable poverty alleviation.