ZEDx: A New Platform for Elevating Zakat's Role in Building an Islamic Economic Civilization

DEPOK - On September 11, 2024, the first-ever Zakat Enrichment & Idea eXchange (ZEDx) took place at the Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII), marking a significant moment in the evolution of zakat management and its contribution to the global Islamic economy.

Organized by Forum Zakat (FOZ) in collaboration with UIII's Faculty of Economics and Business, the event brought together thought leaders from government, academia, and the world of zakat to explore how zakat can become a driving force for building Islamic economic civilization.

The ZEDx initiative aims to serve as a platform for dialogue and innovation, allowing stakeholders to share their insights and experiences in managing zakat. With the goal of transforming zakat from a traditional charity model into a potent tool for social change, the event highlighted the strategic role of zakat in addressing societal challenges and fostering economic development.  

Harmony, Unity, and Impact

In his opening remarks, Wildhan Dewayana, Chairman of FOZ, outlined the vision that will guide the organization’s future initiatives: "Harmoni Kompak Berdampak", which translates to "Harmony, Unity, Impact." This ethos, according to Wildhan, underscores the need for synergy among zakat administrators, government agencies, and civil society to maximize the social impact of zakat. “We envision a future where the zakat ecosystem operates in harmony, with unity among stakeholders, creating measurable impacts for communities in need,” he said.

The collaboration between FOZ and UIII is a reflection of this spirit of unity, with UIII not only providing space for the event but also contributing intellectual resources. Dr. Teguh Yudo Wicaksono, Ph.D., representing the Faculty of Economics and Business at UIII, emphasized the importance of professionalizing zakat management. He described ZEDx as “a crucial first step in strengthening the zakat movement as a bridge for Islamic civilization worldwide.” For Dr. Yudo, zakat is not just about charity but a pivotal component of Islamic economic development.

As the platform evolves, its organizers hope that ZEDx will continue to inspire innovation and collaboration in zakat management, ultimately leading to a stronger and more unified zakat movement, not just in Indonesia but across the global Muslim community. The journey has only just begun, but with the momentum generated by ZEDx, the future of zakat looks more promising than ever. 

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