The Chairman of BAZNAS RI, Prof. (HC) Dr. Zainulbahar Noor, SE, M.Ec, emphasized the importance of standard operating procedures (SOP) in organizations to achieve effective national zakat governance.

This statement was delivered during the Fundraising Development Program at the BAZNAS Institute, Jakarta, on Thursday (January 2, 2025).

“Standardization is crucial for any organization, whether small or large. It serves as both a guideline and legal foundation to anticipate unexpected situations while also providing a reference for carrying out tasks,” Prof. Zainulbahar stated in Jakarta, Thursday (January 2, 2025).

Zainulbahar outlined five key benefits of implementing standardization.

1. Work Guidance: SOPs simplify operational activities by detailing the steps needed to perform tasks, ensuring that activities are directed, and allowing employees to work optimally.

2. Legal Basis: SOPs define the rights and responsibilities of each party and outline policies regarding penalties for violations.

3. Problem Solving Reference: Beyond outlining company procedures, SOPs include solutions for potential problems or obstacles encountered during work.

4. Work Discipline Guidelines: SOPs establish rules that must be followed by all parties and detail the consequences of violations, fostering discipline in the workplace.

5. Reputation Enhancement: SOPs reflect an organization’s seriousness in operations, boosting its reputation as it demonstrates the ability to adhere to established rules.

Zainulbahar emphasized that institutions like BAZNAS must have and adhere to SOPs. Without such standards, organizational activities lack measurement and consistency.

“If BAZNAS and national zakat governance lack standardized procedures, we risk deviating from our goals,” he warned.

“That is why having and following SOPs is essential. They not only simplify our tasks but also make them more effective, communicative, standardized, and accountable,” he added.

As a country with the world’s largest Muslim population, Zainulbahar underscored the critical role of zakat institutions like BAZNAS in Indonesia. Zakat is an Islamic obligation to allocate part of one’s wealth to those entitled to receive it, including the poor, orphans, and others in need.

In contrast, he noted, many other countries do not yet have specialized institutions to manage zakat. This reinforces the significance of BAZNAS as a solution to address societal challenges and alleviate poverty in Indonesia.

“The collection of zakat aims to solve problems and eradicate poverty—a small yet vital step in achieving these goals,” Zainulbahar concluded.