20 April 2025

Summary

In this interview, Trieka Sofiandi, Director of Marwah Wakaf Indonesia, discusses the concept of productive waqf and its potential to drive community development. He explains the differences between zakat, sadaqah, and waqf, emphasizing that waqf's core value lies in preserving the principal while generating long-term benefits. He highlights the organization's work in building sustainable projects such as mosques, wells, and educational facilities, while also focusing on empowering marginalized communities through waqf funding. The interview underscores the importance of educating the public about waqf's broader applications and its future potential in sectors like healthcare and economic development.

Takeaways

• 😀 The interview discusses the concept of productive endowments (wakaf produktif) and how they differ from other charitable acts such as zakat and sedekah.
• 😀 Wakaf is a charitable act where the principal asset is not meant to be consumed but rather continues to generate benefits, unlike sedekah, which is consumed immediately.
• 😀 Common examples of wakaf include mosques, schools, and cemeteries, though it can also extend to various other uses such as ambulances, operational vehicles, and educational facilities.
• 😀 There are two types of wakaf: wakaf money (wakaf uang) and wakaf through money (wakaf melalui uang), where funds are used to support various projects without depleting the principal amount.
• 😀 The Marwah Wakaf Indonesia organization engages in fundraising, creating programs, and informing donors about the specific wakaf initiatives to ensure their participation in productive wakaf.
• 😀 The benefits of productive wakaf are directed towards supporting religious educational institutions such as pesantren, providing for orphans, and funding Quranic memorization programs.
• 😀 Donors can participate in productive wakaf through various channels, including direct bank transfers or via the organization's website, where they are informed about the impact of their donations.
• 😀 Wakaf is not limited to religious purposes; it can also support health, education, and economic development, though currently the focus at Marwah Wakaf is more on religious programs and community support.
• 😀 Beneficiaries of wakaf include not only the recipients within specific institutions like pesantren, but also the broader community, such as local residents benefiting from public services like water wells and Quranic education.
• 😀 While the organization has not yet fully expanded into economic support for small businesses or agricultural projects, it does engage in initiatives like providing water depots for underprivileged communities.
• 😀 The future hope for productive wakaf is to increase public understanding through education, focusing on topics like the benefits of wakaf money, and to expand the impact into broader sectors like healthcare and economic development.

Q & A

What is 'wakaf produktif' (productive wakaf)?

Wakaf produktif refers to a form of charitable donation where the principal amount remains intact, and its returns or profits are used for beneficial purposes, rather than the principal itself being consumed. It differs from zakat or sedekah, where the donations are consumed immediately.

How does 'wakaf' differ from other forms of charity like zakat or sedekah?

While zakat and sedekah are forms of charity where the donations are spent immediately, wakaf is intended to be enduring, with the principal amount preserved over time, generating returns that are used for ongoing community benefit.

What are the different types of wakaf mentioned in the interview?

The two types of wakaf discussed are 'wakaf uang' (cash wakaf), where money is donated, and 'wakaf melalui uang' (wakaf through the use of cash), where the cash is used to fund specific projects like buildings or vehicles, with the returns benefiting the community.

What is the role of Marwah Wakaf Indonesia in managing wakaf?

Marwah Wakaf Indonesia is responsible for organizing and managing wakaf, especially productive wakaf. This includes fundraising, informing donors, and implementing programs that benefit orphans, Quran memorizers, and other community needs.

How do donors participate in the wakaf programs?

Donors can participate by contributing through online platforms or directly to the organization’s accounts. They are informed about the programs, their goals, and the benefits of the wakaf initiatives.

What types of projects are funded by wakaf in Marwah Wakaf Indonesia?

The funded projects include supporting religious education, such as helping orphans and Quran memorizers, and building essential infrastructure like water wells in rural areas. They also fund religious facilities like mosques and the maintenance of public welfare projects.

Who benefits from the wakaf programs in Marwah Wakaf Indonesia?

Beneficiaries include orphans, Quran memorizers, and people living in rural areas in need of essential resources like clean water. The programs also benefit the broader community, including those who use mosques or partake in public religious activities.

Are there any specific criteria for receiving wakaf benefits?

While there are no strict criteria like the eight categories in zakat, wakaf can benefit a broad range of people. For example, mosques, schools, and rural communities can receive support, with a focus on those in need of religious or educational resources.

How does Marwah Wakaf Indonesia educate the public about wakaf?

The organization focuses on educating the public, especially about 'wakaf uang' (cash wakaf), which is less understood. This involves public awareness campaigns to explain how wakaf can be used beyond the traditional three M's (mosques, madrasahs, and cemeteries).

What are the future plans for Marwah Wakaf Indonesia in terms of wakaf development?

Marwah Wakaf Indonesia plans to expand its programs into health and economic development, including the construction of a hospital funded by wakaf. They aim to extend the benefits of wakaf to a wider range of sectors, focusing on marginalized communities and sustainable development.