The Potential of Zakat and Sadaqah to Transform a Sustainable Development of Bangladesh: A Study on Moral Parenting Trust
among Employment Opportunities
Ferdausur Rahman1*, Tunku Salha Tunku Ahmad2*, Md. Mohidul Islam3*
1 Faculty of Applied and Human Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, Malaysia
2 Centre for International Engagement, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, Malaysia
3Faculty of Manarat International University (MIU) Dhaka, Bangladesh
*Corresponding Author: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]
Accepted: 15 April 2023 | Published: 30 April 2023
DOI:https://doi.org/10.55057/ijaref.2023.5.1.30
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Abstract: Poverty is considered as the curse of any development. The aim of the study is to describe the contribution of individual Zakat and Sadaqah payer in dealing with the sustainable development of Bangladesh. The data is also showed the contribution of Zakat and Sadaqah that deal with the impact of sustainable development in various forms, by providing scholarships, bearing educational expenses, managing job, creating small entrepreneur, counselling distributing basic necessities, helping orphanages through Zakat, and Sadaqah.
This study is designed to link the beauty of Zakat and Sadaqah in Islam to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically referring to Bangladesh as a country.
Case study method is adopted for this purpose. The paper, therefore concludes with the Employment Generation Model that may be the effective model for achieving the Sustainable Development goals of Bangladesh through Zakat, and Sadaqah before 2030 easily; side by side Bangladesh can be the role model of entire world.
Keywords: Zakat, Sadaqah, Sustainable development
___________________________________________________________________________
1. Introduction
The economic growth and unemployment that has been significant effect as well as an opposite relationship on each other’s (Akter, 2018). The current population in of Bangladesh has stood up 168,363,333 as of Friday, September 30, 2022, based on World meter elaboration of the latest United Nations data. The cross-border pandemic such as Covid-19 have hit the worldwide and down turn the world economies index (Susilawati, Falefi, & Purwoko, 2020).
To prevent this situation zakat and Sadaqah deal as antiseptic to earn a living facility its ensuring that a small number of people do not miss out on staples for daily meals. In an interview with CNN last week, David Bijli said, "42 million people around the world are suffering from an extreme food crisis. They need 600 crore us dollar to help. If we can't reach them with help, they could die at any moment." And for that, a one-time donation from billionaires like Elon Musk could be enough, tweeted Bijli (Matias, Dominski, & Marks, 2020).
According to “The Daily Prothom Alo 21 November, (2021)” Speaking of billionaires, Bijli specifically mentioned Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, co-founder of Amazon. They are both at the top of the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. The ultimate goal of sustainability is to meet the basic needs of all and, while restraining and renewing the use of limited resources, expand the scope
for fulfilling their aspirations for a better life. Thus, to improve environmental quality by taking a sound decisions and ethical code of conduct that led to a sustainable development towards industry, agriculture, energy and transportation. There is a saying in the Holy Qur'an in Islamic principles that "the desperate person of humanity has the right to the wealth you have produced"
(Al-Quran-51: 19). Zakat and Usr carry the obligatory content. Zakat, usury, working for oneself, working for others and working for the environment (Awang, Muhammad, Borhan, &
Mohamad, 2017). There are tools to alleviate poverty and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 1) in the world, especially in Bangladesh.
The study is limited to mandatory Sadaqah named ‘Zakat & Usr’ and the voluntary Sadaqah i.e Infaq only to the human being to satisfy Allah (Suhanahu Wa-Ta’ala). It cannot be repaid.
In case of failure, it will be given away. Generally, the Zakat & Usr is the economic giving to poor, fakir and needy, those who are employed to administer Zakat, relations, those hearts have been reconciled those who are in bondage, those who are in debt, for the Holy War (Al Jihad Fi Sabilillah), the traveler. (Al Quran, Sura At Touba-60). Infaq on the other hand is another voluntary charity giving to any poor and needy person which have been considered in the study.
By contributing only Zakat, Usr and Infaq (charity), poor & needy people will be employed;
higher food production will be possible, and a sustainable food system can be ensured. But other voluntary Sadaqah like, Qardul Hasana, Wasiah, Waqf or other charity has not been considered in the study which can be the important tools for sustainable development of Bangladesh.
Zakat and Usr or charity is defined not only as raising money to help the poor but also as an act of kindness and understanding towards others (Shaffer, 2002). The general interpretation of zakat is that it is one of the five pillars of Islam where it is obligatory for all Muslims who own property above a certain level to determine 2.5 percent of their disposable income and the eight legitimate recipient groups are mentioned as sacred. Qur'an (Surah Tuba-60). This explanation seizes the measure of zakat transactions. However, limiting Zakat to just one transaction reflects one's gross ignorance of its true essence - a miracle to feel the source of inspiration and faith in the Creator. Though, the current literature is full of addresses that follow Zakat in the context of its transactions. For example, today, Zakat is seen as a tool to alleviate poverty among others. Ahmad and Salleh (2018) argued that an alternative or complement to the conventional social financing by Pickup, (Marhaeniyanto, 2018) or for social justice and socio-economic influence as cited by Pickup, Beck and (Ahmad & Salleh, 2018). Hence the attempt to discuss the concept of micro enterprise led by sustainable development through Zakat on the basis of human morality arising from belief in Allah. The main findings of the study is to explore the role of ‘Zakat & Sadaqah’ in alleviating poverty according to attain sustainable development in Bangladesh (Islam, Bhuiyan, Kassim, & Rasli, 2021).
According to World Bank data indicators, in Bangladesh, having a rural-urban inhabitants and overall poverty rate are 63:37 and 18.54. Another’s indicators showed that the country’s unemployment rate is 5.3%, whereas unemployment will stand at 3.6 million (The daily NEW AGE Bangladesh, January 17, 2022). Therefore, rural development that is significant for the overall sustainable development of the country. The high unemployment rate in Bangladesh is one of the most significant factors that is holding back the country's economic development. It is impossible for Bangladesh's economy without the solvent of youthful and educated population (Bin Rustam, 2020).The common factors of unemployment include demographic transitions, economic conditions, advances in technology, rising rates of female labor force participation, greater production of electricity, and migration from rural to urban areas are the another’s important factors to SDG (Sariful & Sahajalal, 2019). Therefore, the farmers'
empowerment with Zakat, Usr and Infaq (charity) contributed by the Muslim people and employed/solvent person’s Zakat and Sadaqah to unemployed for job or self-employment creation can solve the unemployment problem and others as well as advanced production in crops, dairy, poultry will be possible. By Zakat & Usr to all poor and unemployed people, all unemployed will be employed irrespective of religion and race and achieve purchasing power for food. So, the study is the rationale for the country during and post covid-19 in Bangladesh.
2. Literature Review
2.1 Zakat and Sustainable Development
Zakat is planned and programmed to address the causes of poverty and make establishment for its relief. As such, the Prophet prayed strongly against faqr (poverty). The establishment of Zakat aims at alleviating poverty hence instructs the rich to give a share of their wealth to the poor. In addition, the recipients of Zakat are mainly the poor (alfuqarau) and the needy (al- Masakin). Another feature of Zakat pertinent to the first goal is the ‘amilina alayha (the workers of Zakat). In other words, Zakat provides job opportunity, hence reduces the percentage of job hunters who could have originated additional burden to the society. Zakat is therefore capable of generating job opportunity in aspects of searching for those entitled to pay, those appropriate to receive Zakat, keeping records, measuring and collecting dues and distribution of the proceeds. Those who are not entitled to receive Zakat and Sadaqah that may be the very effective mechanism in term of employment mutilation. Zakat and Sadaqah have another unique characteristic that is levied not only on the income of its payers, but also on accumulated net worth which is in one possession for up to a year (Adebayo & Krettli, 2011).
Another’s unique goal, which is lead to reduce hunger, achieving food security, imbalance, unhealthy, and promoting sustainable base belt equally within the scope of Zakat. As mentioned earlier, Zakat is not only base of cash; it also agricultural products as well as livestock such as sheep, goats, cows and camels are included. According to The Qur’an (6:
141) mentioned that Zakat is deductible from agricultural products when it properly applies to the society. The Zakat is deductible on fruits, animals and agricultural produce indicated that it affords the poor access to good nutritious and balanced diet. Apart from Zakat, there is also the Zakat al-Fitr, which is paid mostly in form of food items for the poor, at the expiration of Ramadan fast. This is to take care of the poor throughout the festal period at least to have rather to eat. The third goal is healthy lives and ensuring well-being for all at all level, is accommodated in the institute of Zakat. Thus, Zakat affirms the healthy living among the rich and the poor by properly distributed to eight categories people (Al Quran, Sura Tawba-60). Out of these eight categories Sadaqah may be used as the fruitful tool. Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala said in the holy Quran “Who believe in the Unseen are steadfast in prayer and spend out of what We have provided for them.” (Al Qur’an, 2:3).
Those who reject faith they are the wrong-doers as per verse (2:254) that is mentioned in Abdullah bin Abbas: “I heard the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, say: A person is not a believer who eats while his neighbor is hungry” (Mishkat Sharif- Hadith No. 484). It is also emphasized that eat less and live longer and stay healthy. Professor Richard Bird has compiled that “a list of the diseases that are caused by too much, diseases of the brain, II. Eye disease, diseases of the tongue and throat, chest and lung disease, heart disease, Liver and bile diseases, diabetes, high blood pressure, Brain vein rupture, Anxiety, Hemisphere disease, psychological diseases, Lower body numbness” If you think a little, you can see that this list is actually a death list. On the other hand, let us look at the Hadith the last messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) Al-Miqdam ibn Ma’dikarib reported:
The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “The son of Adam cannot fill a vessel worse than his stomach, as it is enough for him to take a few bites to straighten his back. If he cannot do it, then he may fill it with a third of his food, a third of his drink, and a third of his breath.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhī 2380). Ibn Abbas reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “He is not a believer whose stomach is full while the neighbor to his side is starving.”(Sunan al-Kubrá lil-Bayhaqī 19668). At present, it is being repeatedly emphasized that eat less and live longer and stay healthy. Professor Richard Bird has compiled a list of the diseases that are caused by playing too much. Diseases of the brain, II. Eye disease, 3. Diseases of the tongue and throat, 4. Diseases of the chest and lungs, for breathing.” (Sahih Ibn Majah - Hadith No. 3349).
The soft sense of kindness, which is a component of happiness on living in the society. It also inspires happy living between the Muslims and non-Muslims. The zakat that was strongly followed by the second caliph passed by an old and blind Jew who was begging. It has to be noted that one of the categories of recipients of zakat is for Allah’s reason (Fi sabilillah). This is being debated among jurists to have included among others using zakat for all types of Rafiu Ibrahim Adebayo 237 struggles in the righteous cause and on provision of social welfare programmers and projects as well as manpower training or education in scientific and technical fields that are of direct benefits to the poor. It is therefore argued that zakat can be used to provide social services like hospitals and schools and even for factories which create employment opportunities for the people (Shah, 2010). This implies that goals 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11 and 12 goals of the SDGs are apprehended in zakat. Goal 5, which is achieving equality and empower all women and girls is equally relevant in the realm of zakat and Sadaqah. ― Whoever, male or female, has acted righteously, while being a believer, we shall certainly make him live a good life, and shall give such people their reward for the best of what they used to do (16:97)
This is the reason for Zakat is not only gender inequitable but also widows are major beneficiaries of Zakat. In the same vein, experience has showed that Zakat has no geographic borders, as humanitarian Zakat hands had been extended by some well-to-do Muslim conquered countries to other developing countries of the world. Prior to the announcement of the anti-money laundering policy, international organizations such as the International Islamic Relief Organization (IIRO), an affiliate of the Muslim World League (MWL), conducted various projects in various parts World. For example, the organization has established a clinic in Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria; Mosques of Ifan and Ibadan; And Arabic schools in Ibadan, Ilorin and Kaduna. It is also on record that in 1992, IIRO sent relief supplies to drought victims and refugees fleeing the war in Somalia. Saudi NGOs have distributed food and run six clinics attached to three camps for Azeri IDPs. It takes care of orphans and provides medicines in Agadash and Baku. Also, the Al-Haramain Islamic Foundation (HIF), a charitable organization headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has donated to orphanages and rehabilitation centers, including the Nigeria office in Ibadan; Paying hospital bills for patients who are unable to pay;
And established a Vocational Center in Ibadan where women, especially orphans and widows, have learned sewing, knitting, soap making and other occupations(Adebayo & Krettli, 2011).
It suggests that Zakat, in line with SDG's goal 10, helps reduce inequality within and between countries. This is possible because it is unnecessary to collect Zakat from one geographical location to another. Goals 13, 14 and 15 relate to taking urgent action to address climate change and its effects; Conserve and sustainably use seas, oceans and marine resources for sustainable development; And protecting, restoring and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainable forest management, combating desertification. These goals may arise from the lessons learned from the organization. Zakat in Islam shows decency in the
organization of Zakat, which determines the moderate charge on the amount to be paid as zakat.
The high rate at which people become materialistic for economic purposes also reduces Zakat.
The materialistic tendency in him compels him to exploit the natural resources without preservation and so it turns into greed and excess so that he gets more than he needs. According to Akhtaruddin, et.al, (1997: 93), as of 1990, coal reserves were estimated at 534 billion tons and natural gas reserves at 104 billion tons. Also, oil reserves were estimated at 140 billion tons and would last for less than 100 years, while at 1990 usage rates, coal would last 200 years and gas less than 150 years. Through this it is clear that climate change has become inevitable in the face of not conserving natural resources. 16 and 17 are closely related to the above goals, which are to promote a peaceful and inclusive society for sustainable development, Provision of access to justice for all and effective construction, 238 Procedures, Fourth International Conference on Zakat Responsibility and Inclusive Institutions at All Levels. ; (Ibrahim, 2020).
Waqf is an imperative institution in the Islamic societal framework. It can connect the potential of selfless charitable giving in an active way for better economic impression in the targeted social sections of society.
2.2 Sadaqah and Sustainable Development
Sadaqah that plays a role to build up socio-economic justice and fairness like benevolence which includes Zakat and Sadaqah Jariyah. Those who are believer as Muslim have to follow Sadaqa as a personal devotion to Almighty Allah. (Freeman & Ginena, 2015). It is a foundation in Islam to purifies wealth once, even it is sole purpose of serving Allah. There are some verses in the Holy Qur'an about sadaqah that is to be paid for the pleasure of Allah. It is the strongest weapons to disclose charitable deeds, but if overlook them on to those who are (really) in need, it is best for you: it will take something away from you. GOD is fully omnipresent for you.”
(Qur’an, 2:271). But those of them, who are steadfast in knowledge and believe, believe in that which has been revealed to you and that which has been revealed before you: and (especially) those who establish regular prayer, give alms regularly and believe in Allah. Last day: I'll give them a big reward soon. (Qur’an, 4:162).
Sadaqah is one kind of charity proceeds for the needy, who are confined in the way of Allah (from travel) and cannot travel in the country (for trade or work): The underprivileged people, think that they are free from extra facilities. One can recognize the needy (unsuccessful) who are not shameless to take anything. Whatever good or bad, verily Allah knows it well (Qur'an, 2: 263). Sadaqah that is given publicly or surreptitiously to the needy members of the society.
Although to give Sadaqah openly is allowed and encouraged for Muslims by conceal it.
According to JIABR mentioned there, those who are in dare need especially the marginal and subjugated members of the society such as those are Muslim-dominated northern Nigeria. In Islam, it is encouraged to give the Sadaqah from among those things you really need. Muslims are not expected to give Sadaqah, those things are forbidden as per the holly guidance (Obaidullah and Khan, 2008). Allah promises the reward of charity in terms of having good life without fear and devastation in Qur’an 2:274. “Allah promises a gain to the present life and hereafter to the Sadaqah givers and should express no fear as contained” Qur’an, 30:39. The role of zakat is to establish social welfare and economic sustainability and it should be institutionalized for properly managed by the Islamic states and various Muslim communities (Ibrahim, S. M. 2015). Similarly, local zakat committees should be constituted at the lower level, whereas, the shariah committees is to be responsible for ensuring shariah compliance and forbidden applications. On the basis of electronic and print media, a Muslim Scholars and religious scholars may aware the people about the importance of zakat and its social, moral, spiritual and its economic impact on the society.
2.3 Rationale of the Study
Unemployment refers to the share of the labor force that is without working but available for and seeking employment. The main cause of unemployment is the population is increasing day by day but there is a shortage of investment. Bangladesh unemployment rate for 2021 was 5.23%, a 0.18% decline from 2020, 2020 was 5.41%, a 0.98% increase from 2019, 2019 was 4.44%, a 0.02% increase from 2018, Bangladesh unemployment rate for 2018 was 4.41%, a 0.04% increase from 2017.
Figure 1: Bangladesh unemployment rate from 1991-2022
Figure 2: BD unemployment data 1999-2019
3. Methodology of the Study
Research design depends on the type of research questions and the research questions containing ‘what’ indicates to adopt both the survey and case study strategy (Yin, 2003, pp.
05). Hence the study employed with quantitative research strategy which is dominating the case study method. The study will be accomplished by the interview with focus group discussions and few KIIs. The study is of qualitative method in nature based on primary and secondary data. The primary data have been collecting from the respondents through unstructured questionnaire, focus group study and depth observation. Secondary sources include govt. publications, seminar papers, journals, published and unpublished thesis, books, daily news, Bangladesh Statistical Brue (BSS), website of different organizations based on Zakat, Sadaqah, and charity and internet etc. From the holy Quran, Hadith and Fiqh, concept of Sadaqah, Zakat, Quardhul Hasana, Wasiyat, and Infaq has been framed. Based on United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), definitions of ‘Poverty’ and ‘Hunger’
have been conceptualized. From the data of 2019-20 session available in the World Bank and ADB database regarding the employment, unemployment, underemployment in industry, agriculture and service sector of Bangladesh, are used in analysis. Approximately 26 lakhs fully unemployed and 1.30 crore partial unemployed people, in total, one and half crore
peoples’ job creation is concerned in the study assuming that current job creation rate and workable people increasing rate is constant. by executing the ‘One to One Employment Model’
with Sadaqah from one employed to one unemployed, unemployed people will be employed with purchasing power, and farmers will be economically empowered and higher production in crops, livestock, forestry will be possible and Bangladesh will be free from poverty and hunger within a short period of time. The study proposes the following conceptual framework in terms of the above discussed literatures:
Figure 3: Shows the flow chart of Zakat and Sadakah (created by authors)
3.1 Qualitative method: Case Study
Using the literature, reviewed at earlier stages, this part made an effort to find out the constructs or variables of the study. Employing the in-depth interview with semi-structured question, it attempted to identify the scenario of Sadaqah (mandatory and voluntary) and its impact on sustainable development in Bangladesh. In quest of qualitative study, different scholars opined different views specially Nuruzzaman (2013) opinion is a deep contextual realization of a single phenomenon could be obtained through conducting KII and ‘pseudo case study’. About this method another two author such as Kotzab (2005) consented that such type of field works enable a researcher to study on nominated issues in detailed form.
3.2 Moral parenting Trust at a glance Established: 2016
i. Vision: Contribute to build a “Moral Society”, where the people will be connected based on morality, cordialness and gratefulness in spite of their different financial condition or living place or religious belief or other distinction.
ii. Aims and Objectives: The main objective of Moral Parenting Trust is to establish a healthy, beautiful 'Ethical Society that contribute to reduce the existing class discrimination, spiritual relations between the people of the society and possible change in the life course of the backward children of the society in a long-term as multifaceted way.
iii. Sources of Fund: Donation from donors (moral parents). 100% Sadaqah (60% Zakat and 40% charity.)
iv. Activities:
SADAQAH
All children are the children of the Nature. Nature sends some of its children to our home, some to others; some children are enjoying abundant facilities, some are fighting for their fundamental rights like food, cloth, education. An adult may be blamed for his poverty;
however, children got their fate by birth. A child cannot choose his family, as it is distributed by the creator or nature. Almighty Allah Subhanahu Wa-Taala said in Holly Quran, “And in their wealth there was a rightful share for him who would ask and for the destitute.” Sura Azzariat: 19. We try our best to take care of our own child in all means; however, if we would pay little attention to (at least) one of those children, a life in the dark may see the light of success – it’s our moral duty. “The slogan of Moral parenting is “more than charity”. In moral parenting, the donors and receivers are known as moral parent and moral child respectively.
The moral child is a poverty stricken yet meritorious child in need of monetary aid and guidance on a regular basis on demand. Beside regular scholarship, some moral parents also provide a lump sum amount of donation for entrepreneurship development under “Shabolombi project”.
With this money, the moral child can earn some extra money to employment themselves as the successful entrepreneurs during the student life. Till now more than 380 native and emigrant moral parents have helped more than 800 students (school, college, Madrasa, medical college and university). Furthermore, about 150 students have got donation out of these 800 students from their moral parents for entrepreneurship development under Shabolombi project.
Moreover, they have different projects to support the moral children. Ten medical physicians Moral Parents are providing medical services to the Moral children as well as their family members. They also have blood bank projects, 100 books reading project, on-line lecture project, career support project and 'Winter-Clothing Gift' project etc. In last three years MPT has distributed total 1200 worm cloths and blankets among the relatives of moral children.
Total 9 trustees, 65 volunteers are responsible to take care the projects.
3.3 On the basis of case study some stories of Success based on Project:
3.3.1 Indomitable Genius-1
Golden girl Amena will become a doctor!! As soon as the results of the medical entrance exam came out, first volunteer sir, after a while Amena called me giggling with happiness and told me that she got a chance in Khulna Medical. I was so happy to hear the news, I felt like I was hearing the good news of my own child. We have been parenting the girl since her school life.
His father left her and her mother. Since then, the struggle of mother and daughter began! The mother has no fixed income; Run the family with manual labor. After getting excellent results in SSC exam, I regretfully wrote in a post, how can the father leave such a golden girl and go somewhere else!! After this, the Utrai had to be crossed very steeply; First a moral parent supports him for 3 years; Later she was very disappointed as he could not continue. Later another moral parent took over; He is the one who has been on the side until now; He promised to stay in Gullo the next day. Congratulations to Amena's moral parents! Good luck, Amena!!!
You fulfilled the dream of your sad mother; May Allah fulfill the hope of your heart!!
3.3.2 Indomitable Genius-2
Masud Rana, a student of Dhaka University, dept. of Arabic. His father is a day labor and mother is a house wife. His homeland is Bagora with 5 decimal lands. He has one sister and total four family members. They had serious food crisis and could not eat three times daily. His father was not interested to educate his children because of poverty. But his mother was intelligent and she was very much interested to continue the education of their children. When he was a student of class VII, his mother started a garment job going to Dhaka city. When he was a student of HSC faced serious problem and his mother became sick. He felt new types of problem, when he went anywhere. He did not find any tuitions, even nobody lent him a single taka. He started a job in a photocopy shop but this earning was not enough to maintain his
educational expenses. He started another job as helper of mason. He worked 3 days in a week and earned tk.1200 (400×3). He was determined to be higher educated by hook or by crook and must be student of DU.
After passing HSC he had no capacity to take admission in a coaching. By taking one-month advance salary from his employer (mason) he bought some books and started taking preparation for admission without any help of any coaching and tutor. By taking loan from his one of his friends he bought admission form. But he had no money to go to Dhaka for appearing admission test. His mother told him, recently your maternal uncle has sold paddy more than taka one lac, so call him and he (maternal uncle) must give you some money. But his maternal uncle said I have no money. Again, he called his friend asking some money for admission test.
His friend answered I will give the amount which you need for traveling, food and lodging. His friend gave him tk. 4,000. He got chance 3 universities including Dhaka University. After getting chance in DU, he had no capacity to get admission. He went to one of his school teachers. This respected teacher called his brother Major Mezbahul and his brother gave tk.12,000 for admission in Dhaka university.
Table 1: History of Masud Rana’s Shabolombi Project Year Charity from
moral parent Self-fund Total Activities
2019 7,500 5,000
(tuition)
12,500 Purchased two goats and sold goats at the end of the year tk. 22,000
2020 00 27,000 (5,000
tuition)
Purchased two goats and sold goats at the end of the year tk. 42,000
2021 00 Sold goats at the beginning of the year tk. 55,000
2022 7,500 62,500 70,000 Purchased a cow and she gives 08 kg milk per day
Challenges No challenges
Aim in life
I want to do something where unemployed people can do their job. Specially I want to establish a dairy firm
Suggestions
Rich men, govt. servant and solvent people should do like this type of work, so that huge employment can be generated.
3.3.3 Indomitable Genius-3
Asma Khatun, a student of Islami University, dept. of Law. His father is a hawker and mother is a house wife. His homeland is Dinajpur with - decimal land. She has two sisters, no brother and total five family members. Basically, she is a child of a poor family. Her father’ income is per month only Tk. 4,000. She stays at university hall which is 25 kilometers far from kushtia city and 23 kilometers from Jhinaidah city. So staying at university hall she has to earn some money by teaching some school students from kushtia which is very challenging. She gets scholarship from Moral Parenting Trust but it is not sufficient so she is continuing her tuitions.
As a female student it is not so easy task to continue her tuitions by taking this type of pressure of 50-kilometer journey from shekpara to kushtia city (up down). But she is doing this to fulfill the dream of her respected parents. Because after completing her student life with full of straggle she wants to do something for the poor people which may be helpful for the sustainable
development of our country. Side by side her moral parent donates two times under independent project (shabolomby project) which is described in following
Table: 2 History of Asma Khatun’s Shabolombi Project Year Charity from
moral parent Self-fund Total Activities
2021 8,000 0 8,000 Purchased two goats. After 8 months one goat and 3 kids tk.
21,000 and she gives this amount to her father’s business.
2022 5,000 0 5,000 Invested to her father’s business. With the revenue of her family is running smoothly.
Challenges
i. Scholarship amount is insufficient. One student cannot run his/her study by this little amount of scholarship.
ii. Moral Parenting is donating only brilliant and poor student with handsome CGPA from previous public examination. But there are many university students they could not spend more time for the study and earn good CGPA because of poverty but they were brilliant students.
iii. Every moral child has to prepare and send report to the moral parent and to the office as well but there are some moral children who have no smart phone and Wi-Fi facilities, in addition, their parents care takes independent projects at their village. In maximum cases parents are poor as well as illiterate so it is tough to send the report with pictures after every two months.
iv. There are many Zakat payers in our country have no clear concept about recipients and distribution system. So they give shari, lungi, cloths, blanket in the month of Ramadan and other sessions by which real Zakat receivers are not benefiting like poor students.
v. There are some rich people who are capable for paying Sadaqah (Zakat, Infaq, Qardhul Hasana, Waqf Wasia). But they do not have clear idea regarding Sadaqah and its distribution system even the benefits of Sadaqah. Otherwise, they are reluctant about Sadaqah or charity.
Suggestions
i. Moral Parenting Trust should increase the amount of scholarship so that one can give support any to one student/entrepreneur understanding everything e.i. one donor should support one student fully and bear all expenses so that a student can continue his/her study without any tension.
ii. Moral parent can relax the reporting system like it may be quarterly or bi-annually. So that moral child can send the appropriate report with relax.
iii. Moral parent should select the student not considering the previous result they can select the student based on their poverty and necessity so that actual poor and struggle students can enjoy the benefits from the moral trust.
iv. The Rich and capable Muslim should learn about Sadaqah clearly and distribute properly.
Aim in life
I want to do something for the poor people because everyone should do everything for the welfare of the people. Because the life is for other and for parents.
Rich men govt. servant and solvent people should do like this type of work, so that huge employment can be generated.
3.3.4 Indomitable Genius-4
Borhan Hossan, a student of Biotechnology, Islamic University, Kustia. His father is a farmer and mother is a house wife. His homeland is Rangpur with 4.5 decimals land and the amount of cultivable land is 8/10 decimals. She has one sister and total four family members. Basically, he is a child of a poor family. His father’s monthly income is not remarkable. He stays at private hostel and his per month cost is tk. 5 to 6 thousand. Moral trust gives him per two-month tk.
2,700 i.e per month tk.1,350 so he has to take extra money from his father which is not so easy.
In the meantime, his moral parent donates three times under independent project (shabolomby project) which is described in following table:
Table 3: History of Borhan’s Shabolombi Project Year Charity
from moral parent
Self-fund Total Activities
2020 7,000 0 7,000 Pigeon Farming
2021 6,000 0 6,000 Pigeon Farming.
2022 5,000 0 5,000 Pigeon Farming. With the revenue of Pigeon Farming his family is running smoothly. Now in my firm the number of pigeons is huge, he cannot count. He is very happy with this scholarship and this independent (shabolomby project)
Challenges
i. Scholarship amount is insufficient. One student cannot run his/her study by this little amount of scholarship.
ii. In my university area tuitions are not available from where I can earn some money.
iii. We are very poor so it is very tough to bring extra money from my family.
Suggestions
i. 1.Moral Parenting trust should increase the amount of scholarship so that one can give support any to one student/entrepreneur understanding everything i. one donor should support one student fully and bear all expenses so that a student can continue his/her study without any tension.
ii. 2. The Rich and capable Muslim should learn about Sadaqah clearly and distribute properly.
Aim in life
I want to be a university teacher. So After completing graduation from Bangladesh I would like to go to any developed country for higher study. I want to do something for the poor people because everyone should do everything for the welfare of the people. Because following the 90% theory from Dr. Mahbub the founder of Moral Parenting Trust. Under 90% theory Dr.
Mahbub said if you expend your total income for your family, it will not be enough or human demand has no limit. So, you should expend the 90% income for your family and remaining 10% for other poor and needy people.
4. Discussion and Main Findings
In Bangladesh upper poverty rates have halved to 24.3 percent, while extreme poverty rates fell by two-thirds to 12.9 percent, based on strata specific upper and lower poverty lines.
Measures of poverty using the international poverty line of $2.15 a day show comparable trends. (databank.worldbank.org). So in the country there are a huge number of people who are still suffering for their basic needs. Zakat and Infaq (charity) can be a remarkable alternative
to fight with the poverty as Bangladesh is a Muslim country so the Sadaqah system is very common. As reduction of poverty is the first goal of SDG so Sadaqah can also be effective in terms of gaining SDG goals. Zakat (mandatory Sadaqah) is the third pillar out of five pillars of Islam. So as a Muslim country the people of Bangladesh are more or less follow the procedure of Sadaqah. There are some people who are privileged in the society are Sadaqah payer, according to the study we can call them the moral parent on the other hand the people who are poor students i.e. Sadaqa receiver can be called the moral child. Side by side a group of persons who are responsible to care takes the moral child and their self-reliant project on behalf of Moral Parenting Trust is called advisors. After every two-month moral child (entrepreneur) submit report to his moral parent and cc to the advisor and Trust. It is mentioned here that 60%
moral parent donate their Zakat and 40% moral parent donate voluntary Sadaqa i.e.Infaq (charity) in this self-reliant project who are called moral parents (donor). Needy, poor and living under the poverty line (actual parents of moral child) are getting Sadaqah from the privileged people are called entrepreneur. We can also call them the Demand- Side. There are also some people or institutions who are doing intermediary task for the Zakat payer and receiver such as local mosque, community leader, etc. We can call them the intermediary of Zakat. According to the findings of the study here the researchers mentioned a framework.
Recommendations
• One Zakat payer will target only one Zakat recipient so that he can generate one’s employment or do something or made him as an entrepreneur. If his payable zakat is not sufficient to make any one recipient entrepreneur, he can give advance Zakat for the next one or two years at once.
• On the other hand, if one’s payable Zakat is Tk.10,000 for one year he/she can give extra Tk.10,000 as Qardhul Hassana for creating one entrepreneur then he can give option to pay the part of Qardhul Hassana by some comfortable installments. It may be for the duration of one year by monthly (12) / weekly (52)/ daily (365) equal installments basing on the job/product/service nature. In the case of non-Zakat payer but capable service holder/business man one can generate one employment through Qardhul Hassana (interest free loan) and may collect the principal amount by some equal comfortable installments.
“Who believe in the unseen and keep up the prayer, and expend of what we have provided them.”( Al Quran 2:3) [i.e. give Zakat, spend on themselves, their parents, their children, their wives, etc., and also give charity to the poor and also in Allah’s Cause – Jihad, etc.].
• As 25-30% of budget of Bangladesh can be earned by implementing Zakat management, so, separate ministry can be established by the name of Ministry of Zakat & Usr. Side by side by implementing Mosque Based Zakat Management (MBZM) under the ministry of Zakat & Usr, initially govt. can easily collect and distribute Zakat and Usr properly.
Because there are more than 300,000 mosques in Bangladesh as on Jun 10, 2021. There are many people in our country who are not eligible for paying Zakat but they have many assets especially huge land property they can donate their land or other properties for the welfare for the society, educational institutions, Madrasa, health complex, training centers which can play the most important role for the sustainable development of our country.
• A big number of service holders (govt./private) in our country are not Zakat/Usr payers but they are solvent and they get three bonuses yearly (govt. service). Private service holders on the other hand enjoy extra bonuses other than three. If individual service holder makes a plan to generate employment/create entrepreneurship for only one unemployed person through Zakat and Sadaqah from his/her bonus or any other halal income yearly, it is not impossible. Because in our study we can see moral parenting trust is creating entrepreneurship/employment by donating only tk. 8,000 (eight thousand) for each and
every poor/needy individual. “And did He not find you needy then satisfied your needs?
So do not oppress the orphan. And chide not him who asks” (Sura Ad-doha)
• Imam/Khatib of Mosque, he is supposed to be well versed with the teachings of Islam. In current world where people don’t trust others especially when money is involved, the Imam can be considered as a trust worthy personnel in his locality (Powell, 2009). Amils were appointed in Early Islamic Era for collection and disbursement of zakat and are still present although not in as organized form as before, but they are the backbone of successful zakat system (Arif, 2017). So, Imam of mosque can act as an Amil with responsibility of collecting and disbursing zakat at local level. Imam/Khatib of every Mosque can act as a media/ motivator for selecting/motivating “And does not encourage the feeding of the poor.” (Sura Maaun) capable/zakat payer who is able to generate one employment side by side Imam/Mosque committee will select needy/poor/unemployed person. The Mosque committee led Imam/Khatib will coordinate and ensure to generate one employment. Thus, one to one employment generation model may be effective easily.
References
Adebayo, J., & Krettli, A. (2011). Potential antimalarials from Nigerian plants: a review.
Journal of ethnopharmacology, 133(2), 289-302.
Ahmad, A., & Salleh, A. (2018). Zakat: Experiencing The Faith Or Accounting The Economics. Application Of Islamic Philanthrophy. UITMPRESS, Universiti Teknologi Mara.
Akter, N. (2018). Unemployment Problem in Bangladesh and Its Impact on Economic Growth.
Arif, M. (2017). Zakat as a mode of poverty alleviation. International Journal of Economics &
Management Sciences, 6(06), 57-65.
Awang, S. A., Muhammad, F., Borhan, J. T., & Mohamad, M. T. (2017). The concept of charity in Islam: an analysis on the verses of Quran and hadith. Jurnal Usuluddin, 45(1), 141- 172.
Bin Rustam, S. (2020). The Impact of Digital Marketing on Unemployment in Bangladesh.
The Impact of Digital Marketing on Unemployment in Bangladesh (April 26, 2020).
Freeman, R. E., & Ginena, K. (2015). Rethinking the purpose of the corporation: Challenges from stakeholder theory. Notizie di Politeia, 31(117), 9-18.
Ibrahim, A. R. (2020). Utilizing Zakat for Attaining Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria. Paper presented at the Indonesian Conference of Zakat-Proceedings.
Islam, M. M., Bhuiyan, A. B., Kassim, A. A. M., & Rasli, S. (2021). The Effects of Shariah Supervisory Board Characteristics and the Risk-Taking among Islamic Financing Institutions in Bangladesh. International Journal of Shari'ah and Corporate Governance Research, 4(1), 28-35.
Kotzab, H. (2005). The role and importance of survey research in the field of supply chain management. Research Methodologies in Supply Chain Management: In Collaboration with Magnus Westhaus, 125-137.
Marhaeniyanto, E. (2018). Buku” Bank Protein Asal Tanaman dan Teknis Analisis Pakan”.
Matias, T., Dominski, F. H., & Marks, D. F. (2020). Human needs in COVID-19 isolation (Vol.
25, pp. 871-882): SAGE Publications Sage UK: London, England.
Nuruzzaman, M. (2013). The'Responsibility to Protect'Doctrine: Revived in Libya, Buried in Syria. Insight Turkey, 15(2), 57.
Powell, M. J. (2009). The BOBYQA algorithm for bound constrained optimization without derivatives. Cambridge NA Report NA2009/06, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, 26.
Sariful, I., & Sahajalal, M. (2019). An empirical study of GDP, exchange rate, inflation and unemployment in Bangladesh. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development, 6(6), 51-53.
Shaffer, D. E. (2002). Macmillan English Dictionary for Advanced Learners. Korea TESOL Journal, 5(1), 183-187.
Susilawati, S., Falefi, R., & Purwoko, A. (2020). Impact of COVID-19’s Pandemic on the Economy of Indonesia. Budapest International Research and Critics Institute-Journal (BIRCI-Journal), 3(2), 1147-1156.