During the discussion, Abdul Aziz Yahya Saoqi, Head of the DIPK Division at BAZNAS, outlined the primary functions of LMZ at UNSIL, which include research, certification, and practical training. Furthermore, research collaborations will be prioritized for institutions that have already implemented LMZ and have signed an MOU with BAZNAS.
To ensure LMZ’s active involvement, the institution will be prioritized in key academic conferences, including the International Conference on Zakat (ICONZ). Additionally, LMZ-affiliated campuses will receive priority in BAZNAS training programs, particularly in certification initiatives. In line with this, BAZNAS is planning to organize a forum for all LMZ campuses to facilitate discussions on LMZ’s future prospects and best practices.
The collaboration also opens opportunities for academic engagements, such as inviting BAZNAS leadership for public lectures or integrating such sessions with LMZ inauguration events. Furthermore, having an MOU in place will broaden the scope of cooperation, including potential scholarship programs and other academic initiatives.
UNSIL has already allocated dedicated space for LMZ operations, and the university expects a collaborative effort with BAZNAS, including exploring potential academic programs related to philanthropy. Moreover, some yet-to-be-inaugurated buildings at UNSIL are planned to be integrated with LMZ facilities, further strengthening its role in zakat management.
As part of its financial support strategy, BAZNAS will provide financial assistance through a structured zakat-based funding scheme. Under this framework, financial aid will be directly disbursed to micro-entrepreneurs by BAZNAS, with collection handled by LMZ. These funds will be utilized within LMZ’s zakat distribution program, in compliance with zakat management best practices.
The specific financial scheme will be managed by the zakat micro-bank unit, ensuring that the allocation remains designated solely for its intended zakat programs. Moreover, LMZ will identify eligible beneficiaries based on zakat distribution criteria. UNSIL LMZ will be responsible for selecting mustahik candidates and managing the distribution of productive zakat funds.
UNSIL plans to document and report on LMZ's financial activities and revolving fund utilization, ensuring transparency and accountability. Additionally, the university has the flexibility to place LMZ under a faculty, research center (LPPM), or directly under the university administration.
For benchmarking and best practice references, UNSIL can take inspiration from UIN Walisongo’s successful implementation of revolving zakat funds. Furthermore, UNSIL may propose collaborations with provincial, city, or district-level BAZNAS offices to enhance the implementation of LMZ programs.
Through this collaboration, LMZ will also serve as a platform for students to gain hands-on experience in zakat management while integrating financial literacy components with existing financial education initiatives at UNSIL. This initiative marks a significant step in enhancing professional zakat management and empowering mustahik through structured financial programs.
Source: Divisi Inovasi dan Program Kreatif (DIPK) of BAZNAS