Malaysian Researchers Gain International Recognition For Zakat Management Study
ALOR SETAR, Oct 21 (Bernama) -- Four Malaysian researchers from Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) have received international recognition for their work with the National Zakat Foundation (NZF) of Australia, reinforcing the university's reputation as a centre of excellence in Islamic economics and global zakat (tithe) management.
The researchers were honoured at the Final Report Handover Ceremony for the international research project, “Enhancing the Establishment of the National Zakat Foundation in New Zealand”, which was held on Oct 15.
The project was led by Associate Prof Dr Farihal Osman, with team members Dr Amirul Faiz Osman, Dr Rusniza Abdul Rahman and Dr Saidatul Nurul Hidayah Jannatun Naim Nor Ahmad.
NZF Australia chief operating officer, Munir Abdella, expressed his appreciation for the UUM research team's high level of commitment and for completing the project within the promised 12-month timeframe.
“The research findings are profoundly insightful and highly valuable. They will be extremely useful for NZF in strengthening our international zakat operations. This 'research-before-implementation' approach is the best way to ensure sound decision-making in zakat management,” he said in a statement today.
Meanwhile, UUM Research Management Centre director, Prof Dr Nor Idayu Mahat, said the recognition proves the university can meet global zakat research needs, with findings that could serve as a business model for zakat institutions in minority Muslim countries.
"This collaboration elevates UUM onto the international stage and reinforces our brand as 'The Eminent Management University' with global recognition," she said.
Separately, Dr Saidatul Nurul Hidayah explained that presenting their findings sparked a dynamic discussion on strategies for strengthening zakat institutions in minority Muslim countries.
The dialogue, she said, incorporated various compelling perspectives on the role of community trust, the need for locally-tailored management systems and the challenges in building a sustainable zakat model.
"Other researchers also shared their experiences of data collection in New Zealand, which provided a significant opportunity to understand zakat management practices within the local Muslim community.
"Our engagement with the Kiwi-Muslim community revealed an urgent need for a more systematic zakat management system, which in turn opens up promising new avenues for future research," she said.
-- BERNAMA
