Conceptualizing Asnaf Entrepreneurship for Zakat Institutions in Malaysia

The aim of this paper is to propose a conceptual framework to explore the challenges of the current practices of the asnaf entrepreneurship program and to establish Islamic entrepreneurship ecosystem as a mechanism in the development of the program among zakat institutions in Malaysia. This research will use qualitative study methods in gathering the primary data from informants among officers in zakat institutions, the asnaf entrepreneurs, the business advisors/experts and academicians. The collected data will be assessed to verify on how the program may help to develop the economy of the asnafs. Even though there is no ideal case as regard to the Islamic entrepreneurship ecosystem in this current world, zakat institutions may provide such alternative ecosystems. The findings of this research is expecting to enhance zakat institutions, Muslims societies, general publics, and policy makers on how this program may elevate the economic status of the asnaf from zakat recipients to become the zakat payers. Thus, the results of this research are anticipated to provide the landscape on how the asnaf entrepreneurship program may positively increase the income of the participants specifically and the societies in general.