When Zakat is Not Enough: Designing an Islamic Blended Microfinance Model for Asnaf Entrepreneurship

Main Article Content

Faisal Arief Kamil Muhammad M. Said Desmadi Saharuddin Nur Hidayah

Abstract

Purpose
This study aims to develop an integrated financing model to strengthen the economic empowerment of asnaf in Indonesia and to address structural weaknesses in current zakat-based empowerment practices.


Design/Methodology/Approach
The study uses a qualitative conceptual and comparative approach. It analyzes existing zakat empowerment practices and synthesizes three theoretical frameworks. These frameworks are the microfinance schism between institutionalist and welfarist perspectives, institutional logics, and the Pentahelix collaboration model.


Findings
The study identifies a key paradox. National data show a link between entrepreneurship growth and poverty reduction, yet the share of zakat allocated to productive empowerment declined to 5.1 percent in 2025 Semester 1. Zakat institutions continue to prioritize short-term charitable programs. The main challenges include weak integration between zakat and waqf, limited long-term mentoring, and tension between market efficiency and socio-religious obligations to serve high-risk asnaf. To respond, the study proposes the Islamic Blended Microfinance Model. This model positions zakat and waqf as first-loss capital to absorb risk and enable Islamic microfinance institutions to mobilize commercial financing for asnaf who are currently unbankable.


Research limitations/implications
The study is conceptual and does not test the model empirically. Future research can apply the model in pilot programs and evaluate its impact on income growth, business sustainability, and graduation from mustahik to muzakki.


Practical implications
The model offers a clear policy blueprint for BAZNAS, BWI, and Islamic microfinance institutions to shift from charity-based disbursement toward structured capacity-building and risk-sharing financing schemes.


Social implications
The proposed model strengthens the role of Islamic social finance in sustainable poverty reduction. It supports inclusive entrepreneurship and expands access to financing for vulnerable groups who are excluded from formal financial systems.


Originality/value
This study introduces an original integrative model that connects zakat, waqf, and Islamic microfinance within a blended finance and Pentahelix governance framework. It contributes a new conceptual foundation for aligning Islamic social finance with long-term development and empowerment goals.

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How to Cite
Kamil, F., Said, M., Saharuddin, D., & Hidayah, N. (2026, March 27). When Zakat is Not Enough: Designing an Islamic Blended Microfinance Model for Asnaf Entrepreneurship. International Journal of Zakat, 11(1), 84-100. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.37706/ijaz.v11i1.795
Section
Articles

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