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PUSKAS Working Paper Series
PWPS# 2016 - 02
Principles of Amil Zakat
and Best Practice Recommendations
for Zakat Institutions
Muhammad Hasbi Zaenal, Muhammad Choirin, Khonsa Tsabita,
Amelya Dwi Astuti, Ayu Solihah Sadariyah
(December 2016)
Islam2c Economics and Finan
Muhammad Hasbi Zaenal
Center of Strategic Studies
The National Board of Zakat (BAZNAS)
Jln. Kebon Sirih Raya, 10340 Central Jakarta, Indonesia
Fax: +6221 – 3913777
Email: moh[email protected]
and
Islamic Economic Studies and Thoughts Centre (IESTC)
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Bangi, 43600 Selangor D.E., Malaysia
Email: mohd.hasbi@iestc.net
Muhammad Choirin
Center of Strategic Studies
The National Board of Zakat (BAZNAS)
Jln. Kebon Sirih Raya, 10340 Central Jakarta, Indonesia
Fax: +6221 – 3913777
Email: muhammad.choir[email protected]m
and
Center of Postgraduate
As-Syafi‟iyah Islamic University
Jl. Raya Jatiwaringin No. 12 Pondok Gede
Email: choirin.um@gmail.com
Khonsa Tsabita
Center of Strategic Studies
The National Board of Zakat (BAZNAS)
Jln. Kebon Sirih Raya, 10340 Central Jakarta, Indonesia
Fax: +6221 – 3913777
Email: khonsa.tsabita@puskasbaznas.com
Amelya Dwi Astuti
Center of Strategic Studies
The National Board of Zakat (BAZNAS)
Jln. Kebon Sirih Raya, 10340 Central Jakarta, Indonesia
Fax: +6221 – 3913777
Email: amelya.astuti@puskasbaznas.com
Ayu Solihah Sadariyah
Center of Strategic Studies
The National Board of Zakat (BAZNAS)
Jln. Kebon Sirih Raya, 10340 Central Jakarta, Indonesia
Fax: +6221 – 3913777
and
Tazkia University College of Islamic Economics
Bogor, 16810Jl. Ir. H. Djuanda No. 78 Sentul City Bogor, Indonesia
Email: ay[email protected]m
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Abstract
Zakat is the third pillar of Islam. Difference with the other pillars of Islam,
zakat has a personal and social dimension as a key economic pillar in the
economic development and prosperity. In fact, urgency of zakat is the same as
the urgency of prayer. In the aspect of zakat division, Islam has set eight
groups of mustahiq. Among these group are the collectors and the distribution
of zakat (Al-„Amil). Amilin has a strategic functions and duties for developing
zakat in Indonesia. The aspects of how classical scholarly opinion regarding
the terms of Amilin; the classification, duties, and functions of Amil; and best
practice recommendations for zakat institutions will be the main themes of this
paper.
Keywords: zakat, amil, good amil governance
JEL Classification: O150, R290, Z120, Z190
1. Introduction
Zakat is a particular treasure that must be issued by the Muslims and given to groups who
deserve it. Zakat terms of language means clean, pure, lush, thanks and growing. Zakat starts
to be obligated since the year 662 AD, when the Prophet Muhammad SAW institutionalize
zakat for the rich to ease the burden of the poors. In the time of caliphate, zakat collected by
the state employees and distributed to the groups (ashnaf) which has been mentioned in
Qur'an.
Yusuf al-Qaradawi (1973) depictured Amil position as a heart in the human body: if
the heart is good, then the whole body will get well, and if it is getting sick then the entire
human body will get bad. Thus, it has a very strategic position and a determinant in the rise of
zakat.
This paper aims to explain the terms of Amil based on the classical scholarly thoughts
and to elaborate the classification, duties and functions in managing zakat. This paper also be
used as a reference point for the authorities when developing their regulations for zakat
operation, especially ones related with Amil activities. These objectives are in line with the
discussion on the Zakat Core Principles (ZCP) and Technical Notes on Good Amil
Governance
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document. These dimensions will be explained further in this paper.
4
The document was launched on the International Working Group on Technical Notes on Good Amil
Governance for Zakat Institutions on October 29, 2016 in Surabaya, Indonesia.
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2. The Origin of Amil
In the practice of zakat, the Prophet Muhammad SAW and his successors constantly formed
Amil. The term of Amil used by the Prophet SAW is intended for people who collect and
distribute zakat, as narrated below:
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“The [obligatory] charity (zakat) is not permissible for any rich person, except
for five: The fighter in the cause of Allah, or the amil of zakat, or the one in
debt, or for a person who purchases an item given in Zakat from his own
wealth, or for a person who has a neighbour that is poor to whom he gives his
Zakat and then the poor neighbour gives the Zakat item as a gift to a rich
man.”
The word Amil derived from (--) which means "[who] do, do [the
activity], waiters"
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. Amil defined as persons who collect and seek zakat, and who distributed
it. Al-Suyuti (1990) stated that those who carry out the activities of zakat affairs are ranging
from charities to the treasurer and guard, as well as recording until the counting out zakat and
distributing it to the mustahiq.
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The various Fiqh schools (mazahib) have tried to explain the definition:
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First, Al-
Jaziri (1992), from Al-Hanafi and Al-Hanbali mazhab, said that Amil is a person appointed by
a leader to collect zakat and will have a share in accordance with the content of his work.
Second, according to Al-Maliki mazhab, Amil is a group/party that is trying to collect zakat,
report, and share zakat funds. After finishing his duty, he is entitled to receive the zakat fund.
However, Amil will gets two parts if he were poor, which is from poor sections and Amil
sections. Third, according to al-Shafi'i mazhab, Amil is the person who has contributed in
zakat collection and allocation, included zakat collectors, writers, guards, and distributors.
5
Abu Dawud No. 1635 and Ibnu Majah No. 1841.
6
Ahmad Warson Munawwir (1984), Kamus al-Munawwir, Yogyakarta: Pondok Pesantren al-Munawwir, , 1045.
7
Imam Jalaluddin al-Mahallyand Imam Jalaluddin as-Suyuthi (1990), Tafsir Jalalain Translation and as-Babun
Nuzul, Bandung: Sinar Baru, 786.
8
Abd al-Rahman al-Jazari, al-Fiqh „Ala Madzahib al-Arba‟ah. Kairo: Dar al-Irshad, 550-554.
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Al-Ghazali (2004) mentions that Amil is the party for zakat collecting, security officer, writer,
counter, treasurer and also a carrier.
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Muhammad Rashid Rida (1368 H) defined Amil by interpreting QS. At-Tawbah verse
60 which stated that they are ones assigned by the government or the representative, to carry
out the collection of zakat. They are called by Al-Jubat, while the people who save or
maintain the zakat fund named Al-Hazanah (treasurer), including the herders and
administration officers.
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In line with the statement, Yusuf al-Qaradawi (1973) said Amil are
those who work in zakat organizations, both the collector, the treasurer, the clerk, and person
in charge of distribution and administrators.
12
In addition, Quraish Shihab (1992) defined
Amil as a person who takes care about zakat with the skills on how to collect, record, and
distribute to the people who are eligible to receive it.
13
Regarding the various terms proposed by the previous scholars, the term of Amil zakat
are those who carry out the activities of zakat operation, from collecting, storing, keeping,
recording how the zakat comes and exits as well as channeling or distributing the zakat funds
to mustahiq (zakat receivers). Thus, these perspectives indicate that the Amil has a significant
role for implementing of zakat function. Similarly, it has been inaugurated by the
leader/government to collect zakat from the owner of wealth by collecting, keeping,
transporting, and managing it.
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3. Principles of Amil
One of the zakat function is to alleviate poverty. In this context, Amil not only has a
responsibility to manage zakat funds effectively, but also has a primary task which all are
related to the management of zakat funds, ranging from counting the number of properties
and the amount of zakat, picking it up, carrying out to review the poverty minimum levels,
and ensuring mustahiq to receive zakat fund. In the principles of zakat administrators, there
are at least three aspects that needs to be explained in details, such as responsibilities of Amil,
right of Amil, and some conditions issues.
9
Muhammad al-Ghazali (2004), Ihya „Ulum al-Din. Beirut: Dar al-Ma‟rifah, 1/222.
11
Muhammad Rasyid Ridha (1368), Tafsir Al-Manar, Jilid 10, Mesir: Percetakan Al-Manar, 513.
12
Yusuf al-Qardhawi (1973), Fiqh al-Zakah. Beirut: Muassasah al-Risalah, 579.
13
M. Quraish Shihab (Ed), Ensiklopedi Islam, Jakarta: PT. Ichtiar Baru van Hoeve, Jilid I, Cet. Ke-1, 134.
16
„Abu Bakar Jabir al-Jaza‟iri (1994), Minhaj al-Muslim. Madinah: Maktab Dar al-Salam. 240. Ibrahim Uthman,
Nidzam Masraf al-Zakahwa Tawzi‟ al-Ghana‟im. T.P: TP, 77.
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3.1 Responsibilities of Amil
In general, Amil has two major tasks, i.e. collecting and distributing zakat.
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The collecting
tasks are observing and guiding the muzakki (zakat payers), determining the types of assets
which are compulsory for zakat and the amount they have to pay (nisab), then taking and
storing zakat funds to the disbursement division. With regard of these tasks, Amil requires a
knowledge of Islamic laws and skills on the zakat management.
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In order to realize a better zakat management, Amil must hold several requirements,
such as strong (al-Quwwah) and trustworthy (al-Amanah). The strong means they have a
strong personal capacity, sufficient knowledge and experience to support a good zakat
management. While the trustworthy means having the good nature, ethics and virtues which
are reflected in the character and behavior of Amil. These qualities will be the barrier of fraud
and irregularities in the zakat fund management. Both of these requirements are taken from
the QS. Al-Qasas verse 26, Allah SWT said:
“One of the women said, "O my father, hire him. Indeed, the best one you can
hire is the strong and the trustworthy."
21
Khalifah Umar ibn al-Khattab initially stating some requirement factors for Amil like
collecting, distributing and avoiding the misuse of zakat funds.
22
Completing this study, refer
to Sahal Mahfudh (1994), Amil must be a skilled labor, dedicated, honest, trustworthy and
able to control the problems associated with zakat such as problems related to muzakki, nisab,
haul, and mustahiq.
23
Didin Hafidhuddin (2003) requires Amil to have a sufficient
understanding about zakat law properly, an ability to carry out the task given, and a full time
17
Yusuf al-Qardhawi, Fiqh al-Zakah, 580.
18
Quraish Shihab (1992), Membumikan al-Qur‟an: Fungsi dan Peran Wahyu dalam Kehidupan Masyrakat,.
Bandung: Mizan, 328
21
Qur‟an: Al-Qasas/28: 26.
22
Husain Husain Shahatah, al-Dawabit al-Shar‟iyyah li Taqnin al-Tatbiq al-Ilzami li al-Zakah „Ala Mustawa al-
Dawlah. Kairo: Silsilah Buhuth wa Dirasat, 6.
23
Sahal Mahfudh (1994), Nuansa Fiqih Sosial, Yogyakarta: LKiS dan Pustaka Pelajar, 151-152.
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work to fulfill his duties. In addition, Amil should actively disseminate zakat, organize it, then
distribute it to the mustahiq.
24
Al-Qardhawi said that Amil has various tasks and jobs that are related to zakat
regulation. Some of them are the census regarding muzakki, as well as the details of mustahiq
who receive zakat funds, such as how many zakat funds to be allocated and can be given to
mustahiq.
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Amil zakat is also obligated to pray for muzakki whenever they give their zakat
through Amil, in order to distinguish them with non Muslim (dhimma expert) who pay jizyah,
and to execute the commands of Allah. It is stated in the Quran as follows:
“Take, [O, Muhammad], from their wealth a charity by which you purify them
and cause them increase, and invoke [Allah 's blessings] upon them. Indeed,
your invocations are reassurance for them. And Allah is Hearing and
Knowing.” (QS. At-Tawbah: 103)
Understanding to this verse “…and invoke upon them”, there are two opinions which
can be concluded. First, Ibnu Abbas said that it is invoke forgiveness for them. Second, some
ulama said it prays for muzakki goodness. While, the word “…Indeed, your invocations are
reassurance for them”, there are four opinions. First, Ibnu Abbas said that they are closer to
Allah SWT. Second, Thalhah stated that is a mercy for them. Third, Ibnu Qutaibah said that it
led to the reinforcement of their faith. Fourth, it acts as a security for them.
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3.2 Right of Amil
To ensure the zakat operation runs successfully, QS. At-Tawbah verse 60 described Amil or
zakat administrators entitled to be part of the zakat recipient. However, scholars disagree
about the number of decent portion, does each group in the verse gets one-eighth or get some
amount. This is due to the differences opinion about the meaning of Lam in pieces of verse li
al-fuqaraa‟ which associated with the seven other groups. Ibn Al-'Arabi in Ahkam al-Qur'an
as cited by Quraish Shihab (1992) explained that the letter does not mean “own”, but means
24
Didin Hafidhuddin (2003), Panduan Zakat bersama Dr. KH. Didin Hafidhuddin, Jakarta: Republika, Cet. Ke-2,
147-148
25
Yusuf al-Qardhawi, Fiqh al-Zakah, 580.
26
Imam Al-Mawardi (2000), Hukum Tata Negara dan Kepemimpinan dalam Takaran Islam, Translation by
Abdul Hayyie al-Kattani and Kamaluddin Nurdin, Jakarta: Gema Insani Press, 236.
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lam al-Ajl defined as “to” as in "hadza al-Bab li al-Dar" (this is door of the house). This
opinion embraced by Imam Malik and Imam Abu Hanifah; while Imam Shafi'i said that Lam
is the lam attamlik that can be interpreted “own” as in the words "hadza al-Mal li Zaid" (Zaid
is the owner of this wealth).
On this implication, Shafi'i argued that part of the Amil is the same right as the seven
others. Meanwhile, Imam Ahmad considered submitting it to the government discretion to set
a reasonable amount.
30
Ibn Rushd (1995) in Bidayatul Mujtahid explained that the ulama who
allows wealthy Amil to receive zakat also allow judges (al-Qadhi) and also the people who
can benefit the Muslims to receive it even though they are rich. The excuse is 'Illat which
requires zakat to the eight groups mentioned in the Quran is not just a necessity but also the
usefulness for Muslims.
31
Quraish Shihab added that what is meant by the judge/qadhi and
such that are considered to acquire a share of zakat are those who are indirectly involved as
Amil. This means they are more like the consultants and ones who are involved in the
implementation of zakat.
32
More explicit conditions are disclosed by Didin Hafidhuddin (2003) that Amil who are
entitled to receive Amil‟s part fully, that is one-eighth (1/8) or 12.5 percent of the total
collected funds. According to him, Amil are more than trustworthy, honest, and understanding
the law of zakat properly, but also undertaking the full-time duties instead of doing the job as
freelancer and does not perform their duties perfunctorily. Besides that, Amil should not
passively and quietly wait for muzakki, rather they should actively distribute the zakat funds,
pick and administer it well, and then share it to right target. Meanwhile, people who are only
acts as lajnah (committees) as what are common today, are not entitled to have full
allocations from parts of Amil (12.5 percent), but simply receive for administration fee,
transportation fee, or wage of 1 or 2 percent or probably half of the parts of Amil.
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3.3 Some Conditions Issues
Some scholars have established certain terms and conditions of Amil. Therefore, the
following will discuss some of these issues. First, does Amil should a Muslim? Refer to
literatures, Amil must be a Muslim. However, it is permissible for a non Muslim to do the
30
M. Quraish Shihab, Membumikan Al-Qur‟an, Op. Cit., page 329
31
Ibnu Rusyd, Bidayatul Mujtahid, Volume II, Jakarta: Pustaka Amani, 1995, page 64-65
32
M. Quraish Shihab, Membumikan Al-Qur‟an, Op. Cit., page 330.
33
Didin Hafidhuddin, Op. Cit., page 140-142
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basic tasks, as long as they are not within the scope of zakat collection and distribution. This
is based on history, when Umar bin al-Khattab once reprimanded Abu Musa al-Ash'ari who
hires a Christian as a registrar administration on zakat affairs.
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Second, does Amil should be
trusted? Amil has to be honest and trusted to manage the Muslims wealth. The nature of this
mandate is very prominent characteristic of the Prophet Muhammad SAW and the caliphs.
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Third, does Amil should understand the fiqh zakat? As the most responsible for the zakat
management, Amil must be understood the details of zakat rules and laws. These conditions
related to Amil duties as managers of ummat wealth. If not, the failure to realize mustahiq
welfare will most likely to happen.
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Fourth, does Amil should be a man? Regarding the condition, it has been a long
debate among scholars. Some scholars require Amil must be a man and forbid women to be
involved. Basis of the prohibition, due to lack of information from the Prophet Muhammad
SAW and his companions as the basis for permissibility women become Amil. Nevertheless,
the majority of khalaf scholars stated that gender is not a requirement for Amil, which means
women can be selected. According to al-Qaradawi (1973) the concept of men‟s obligation to
fulfill women‟s needs is not proper to imposed women restrictions, as long as the job type is
in line with the condition of women nature. Although there is a hadith which said that a
country will not prosper in the women hand, but this proposition to restrict women as Amil is
not right at all.
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4. Best Practice Recommendations
The principles of Amil and some related issues elaborated in the previous section has justified
the essential need of a good Amil. However, in a zakat institution, the term Amil does not only
entitle to someone who manage zakat funds, but also to the whole zakat governance called as
Good Amil Governance (GAG). This governance refers to a set of organizational structure
and mechanism which are reliable to sustain transparency, accountability, independence,
responsibility, and professionalism in decision making process
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. Also, the Amil term reflects
the non-profit seeking orientation in the zakat operations.
34
Ibn Kathir, Ismail bin Umar al-Qurashi (2002), Tafsir al-Qur‟an al-„Adzim. Beirut: Dar Tayyibah, 3/133.
35
Abdul Bari Shoim, Zakat Kita. Kendal: PDM Kendal, 155.
36
Al-Nawawi, al-Majmu‟ Sharh al-Muhadzab. TT: Dairah al-Muniriyah, 6/167.
37
Yusuf al-Qardhawi, Fiqh al-Zakah, 588-589.
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As described in the Technical Notes on Good Amil Governance for Zakat Institution.
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With regard to this, previous efforts to create a standard regarding good amil
governance have been made in an international working group that was designed to discuss
zakat core principles for sound and effective zakat system. The efforts were summed up in
the Technical Notes on Good Amil Governance for Zakat Institution document which was
officially launced on October, 2016. This document includes several practical dimensions
which can be implemented as the best practice recommendations regarding GAG for zakat
institutions. As depicted in the Table 1, there are thirteen dimensions of GAG which are
derived from the said technical note document as follows:
Table 1. Dimensions of Good Amil Governance
Dimensions
1.
Definition of Amil as per Mentioned in Zakat
Act or Related Regulations
8.
Performance Evaluation of the Management
of Zakat Institutions
2.
Rights and Obligations of Amil
9.
Certification and Development of Amil
3.
Guidance of Good Amil Governance
10.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) of
Zakat Institutions
4.
Regular Assessment of Good Amil
Governance Policy
11.
Risk Mitigation of Good Amil Governance
5.
Special Organizational Structure responsible
for Good Amil Governance
12.
Disclosure and Transparency
6.
Role of the Board and Management of Zakat
Institutions
13.
Shariah Compliant and Regulations
7.
Performance Evaluation of the Board of Zakat
Institutions
Source: Technical Notes on Good Amil Governance for Zakat Institution (2016)
The first dimension provides essential criteria to identify the definition of Amil in the
zakat act or related regulations. There are five indicators with regard to this dimension,
namely: (1) the existence of zakat act and/or related regulation to govern the Amil, (2) the
definition of Amil is clearly mentioned in that particular zakat act and/or related regulations,
(3) the definition of Amil should cover general responsibility of zakat institution in managing
zakat, (4) the requirements of zakat institution which are regulated by zakat act and/or related
regulations, (5) in case of Muslim minority countries, where there is no legal recognition or
zakat act or related regulations, the definitions of Amil should be clearly mentioned in the
MoA (memorandum of association).
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The second dimension aims to define the rights and obligations of Amil. Beside the
detail explanations from the previous section, a zakat institution must have three indicators.
First, the existence of regulation that is related with the rights and obligations of Amil.
Second, those regulation must be governed by the act and/or memorandum of association
(MoU) regulation related to zakat. Lastly, the existence of regulation that governs the
utilization of infaq and sadaqah funds for Amil operational cost if the fund that comes from
Amilright (12.5 percent) is not sufficient.
The third dimension is related with the guidance of GAG. There is a need for zakat
institutions to have a guidance that governs GAG specifically. This guidance will be assigned
by the board of zakat institution. Also, there are at least five aspects that should be included
in this guidance, such as the guidance of collection, management, disbursement,
responsibility and accountability mechanism, and code of ethics that regulates relation of
Amil and other stakeholders.
The fourth dimension deals with the regular assessment of GAG policy. Some aspects
are needed in every zakat institutions to ensure professionalism of zakat activities. Zakat
institutions shall have three aspects: (1) assessment and supervision procedure of the GAG
implementation, (2) indicators and measurement tools to assess and supervise the GAG
implementation, and (3) reward and corrective actions system in implementing GAG.
The fifth dimension emphasizes on the special organizational structure responsible for
GAG. In this context, a zakat institution should have a special division (organizational
structure) which responsible for supervising GAG implementation. This special division must
be appointed and regulated by the board/director of zakat institution. It should give periodic
reporting regarding GAG implementation. Also, it is responsible for mitigating all risks due
to a weak GAG implementation.
The sixth dimension is related with the role of the board and management of zakat
institutions. There are at least five important roles of the board and management. First, they
approve and actively oversees implementation of the zakat supervisory direction and strategy.
Second, they establish and communicate Islamic norms and values through code of conduct.
Third, they also establish fit and proper standards in selecting Amil officers who have good
characters, integrity, and three basic knowledge (zakat collection, zakat disbursement, and
financial management). Fourth, they create conflicts of interest policies and a strong control
environment. Lastly, they ensure the effectiveness of Amil governance over the zakat
institutions‟ entire management.
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As a follow up of the sixth dimension, the seventh one suggests the performance
evaluation of the board of zakat institutions. There must be an authority that is responsible to
supervise and evaluate the performance of zakat institution‟s board. Here, the supervision
function must be conducted independently and objectively, and must be governed by the Act
or specific regulations. In case of zakat institution has branch or representative offices in
various regions, the supervision must be conducted by the zakat institution‟s board through
the establishment of a special division. On the other hand, the eighth dimension discusses the
performance evaluation of the management of zakat institutions. This evaluation is executed
by the board of zakat institutions based on an objective, measurable, and reliable assessment
system and procedure. Furthermore, the aspects on annual assessment and evaluation of
management‟s performance must be assigned in a regulation which can be accessed by all
management staff within the zakat institution.
The ninth dimension provides the certification and development of Amil. There are
four indicators in this dimension. First, the zakat institutions must have a program regarding
the sustainable development of human resources. Second, there must be a certification to
ensure the quality of human resources or Amil of the zakat institution. Third, the institution
must provide the human resources or Amil performance assesstment system which is
transparent and objective. Fourth, it must be followed by a continuous training and capacity
building of the zakat institutions.
The tenth dimension deals with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) of zakat
institutions. Every zakat institutions should create a clear and comprehensive SOP which
regulates the overall zakat process, including the zakat collection, management, allocation,
reporting, and plan and measures in case of violation. This SOP shall be arranged by the
board of the zakat institution. In addition, there should be a division of tasks and authority
regarding the zakat collection, management, allocation, and reporting process. Here, the
board of zakat institution is responsible to ensure the implementation of SOP to be inline with
the institution‟s mission. However, in the application, the board of zakat institution may
appoint a special division which responsible for monitoring the overall implementation of
SOP.
The eleventh dimension emphasizes on the risk mitigation of GAG. Zakat institutions
must create a risk management procedure to prevent a failure on GAG implementation. Then,
this procedure shall be defined in the regulations of each zakat institution. To ensure the
GAG implementation of risk mitigation, there must be a special structure in charge for this
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task. In completing the task, this special structure must also elaborate clear indicators and
criteria regarding risk management.
The twelfth dimension elaborates the disclosure and transparency in the zakat
institutions. As part of the responsibility to public, zakat institutions should submit the
reports of zakat management transparently to the relevant stakeholders such as public,
government, and parliament. They must assure the existence of a transparent and accountable
zakat management standardization. Moreover, the reports shall include at least an annual
audited financial report conducted by authorized auditors, collection and distribution report of
zakat, and also Shariah audit report.
Last but not least, the thirteenth dimension proposes the Shariah compliant and
regulations in the zakat institutions. At least three aspects, must be owned by each zakat
institution regarding this dimension. These three aspects are as follows: (1) the existence of
clear provisions regarding Shariah compliance aspects and zakat regulations, (2) the
existence of measurable assessment regarding shariah compliance aspects and zakat
regulations, and (3) the existence of annual report regarding implementation of shariah
compliance aspects and zakat regulations.
5. Conclusion
Zakat is the third pillar of Islam after the confession of faith and prayer. It considers as the
important obligation from the Muslim around the world in order to empathize with others and
to develop the economy of ummah. In the implementation, Amil is plays a decisive part in
managing the zakat. Amil can be defined as persons who collect and seek alms, zakat, and
ones who distributed them to the right targets. There are various opinions from scholars
regarding the definition of Amil. Each school of thoughts such as schools Al-Hanafi and Al-
Hanbali, schools Al-Maliki, and schools Al-Shafi'i, has their own definition about the Amil.
In general, the main responsibility of Amil is to manage zakat funds effectively. There
are at least six requirements that must be fulfilled by the Amil, namely: Muslims, sanity and
maturity, trusted, understanding the fiqh of zakat, capable to complete the duties, and men.
However, these requirements are not rigid to every Amil. There are pros and cons regarding to
this and it mostly depends on the Imam or ulama or the government which has the authority
to manage zakat. Other important points in this paper are the rights and obligations of Amil.
Amil has a right to receive the zakat funds as he includes to the eight recipients of zakat
(mustahik). However, the shared amount given to Amil is still debatable. Most of scholars
14
stated that the portion given to Amil is at least one-eight from total zakat funds. On the other
hand, the main obligation of an Amil is to properly manage the zakat funds and organize it
based on the zakat rules.
In the context of best practice recommendations for zakat institutions regarding good
amil governance, there are thirteen dimensions as pointed out in the Technical Notes on Good
Amil Governance for Zakat Institution document. These dimensions are definition of Amil in
zakat act or related regulations; rights and obligations of Amil; guidance of GAG; regular
assessment of good Amil governance policy; special organizational structure responsible for
GAG; role of the board and management of zakat institutions; performance evaluation of the
board of zakat institutions; performance evaluation of the management of zakat institutions;
certification and development of Amil; SOP of zakat institutions; risk mitigation of GAG;
disclosure and transparency; and Shariah compliant and regulations. All these dimensions are
elaborated in the best practice recommendations as a guidance for the zakat institutions to
implement the GAG.
15
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