Rector of UIN Jakarta Reinforces Religion Minister's Statement: Zakat as Minimum Threshold, Charity as Broader Instrument
The Rector of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Prof Asep Saepudin Jahar, has affirmed that zakat and sadaqah represent two distinct yet complementary instruments in Islamic philanthropy, possessing different foundations, functions, and scopes. Proper understanding of both mechanisms is considered critical for strengthening social justice and addressing increasingly complex economic inequality.
According to Prof Asep, zakat constitutes an individual obligation (fardhu ’ain) with clear stipulations regarding minimum wealth threshold (nisab), holding period (haul), and prescribed rates that must be paid by a qualifying Muslim.
“Zakat is an obligation imposed on wealth owners to distribute a specific percentage of their assets as a mechanism of social justice, ensuring that wealth ownership does not circulate only amongst the affluent,” Prof Asep stated in Jakarta on Monday, 1 March 2026.
He explained that the principle of zakat aligns with Quranic teachings, particularly Surah Al-Hasyr verse 7, which emphasises the importance of wealth distribution to prevent concentration amongst a select few.
Etymologically, zakat signifies purification (tazkiyah) and growth, demonstrating that its impact extends beyond economic dimensions to encompass the spiritual realm.
“Zakat serves to purify wealth and its owner’s soul from miserliness and greed, whilst functioning as a corrective mechanism preventing wealth concentration amongst a privileged minority,” he stated.
Nevertheless, Prof Asep emphasised that zakat fundamentally represents only the minimum threshold of a Muslim’s social responsibility, not the apex of social contribution.
“Zakat is a baseline or moral foundation. When someone has fulfilled their zakat obligation, they have only met their fundamental duty, not necessarily achieved optimal generosity,” he explained.
By contrast, sadaqah encompasses a broader dimension, unrestricted by specific percentages and entirely dependent on individual magnanimity.
“Sadaqah rests upon humanitarian values, generosity, and social solidarity. An individual may even donate a substantial portion of their wealth for collective welfare,” Prof Asep concluded.