Islamic Philanthropy and the Sustainability of Non-Formal Islamic Education: A Case Study of Zakat-Based Educational Financing

Ni'mawati Ni'mawati; Amaliah Al Azmi; Nandang Ihwanudin; Clara Vidhia; Uus Putria; Marsudi Fitro Wibowo; Muhammad Parhan Mubarok; Rasikh Khiyar Rabbany; Tatang Muh Nasir

doi:10.35445/alishlah.v18i2.9401

Islamic Philanthropy and the Sustainability of Non-Formal Islamic Education: A Case Study of Zakat-Based Educational Financing

Ni'mawati Ni'mawati, Amaliah Al Azmi, Nandang Ihwanudin, Clara Vidhia, Uus Putria, Marsudi Fitro Wibowo, Muhammad Parhan Mubarok, Rasikh Khiyar Rabbany, Tatang Muh Nasir

Abstract

Non-formal Islamic education plays an important role in strengthening religious literacy, character formation, and community empowerment. However, many community-based Islamic education institutions face financial instability that affects program continuity, educator retention, learning facilities, and learner participation. This study examines how zakat, infaq, and sadaqah (ZIS) governance supports the sustainability of non-formal Islamic education.This study employed a descriptive qualitative approach using a single-case instrumental case study design at the Amal Foundation, a mosque-based social and educational organization in Indonesia. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with nine purposively selected informants, including foundation leaders, ZIS administrators, education managers, teachers, and community representatives. The interviews were supported by participatory observation and document analysis of financial records, program schedules, attendance lists, and institutional meeting notes. Data were analyzed thematically through coding, category development, and theme refinement, with trustworthiness strengthened through triangulation, member checking, and peer debriefing.The findings indicate that structured ZIS governance was associated with greater operational stability in non-formal Islamic education programs. ZIS funds were allocated to educator honoraria, learning facilities, and basic infrastructure support. Documentary and interview evidence showed more regular learning schedules, more predictable teacher honoraria, improved teacher presence, better availability of learning resources, and more consistent learner participation.The study suggests that transparent and accountable Islamic philanthropic governance can function as an institutional financing strategy for sustaining non-formal Islamic education. However, the findings should be interpreted as context-specific evidence of operational and institutional improvement, not as direct causal evidence of improved learning achievement.

Keywords

non-formal Islamic education; education financing; Islamic philanthropy; institutional sustainability; community-based education

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.35445/alishlah.v18i2.9401