When most people hear the word zakat, they think of giving money to the poor. And yes, that’s a big part of it. But zakat is more than short-term relief. At its heart, it’s about empowerment—lifting people out of poverty and giving them the chance to stand on their own feet.
In Indonesia, BAZNAS (the National Zakat Board) is showing just how powerful that vision can be. Rather than stopping at handouts, they’ve created programs that turn zakat recipients into entrepreneurs. Two standout initiatives are Z-Chicken and Z-Mart. Simple ideas, but transformational impact.
Imagine someone who once relied on zakat for survival now running their own chicken stall—serving food, earning money, and supporting their family with dignity. That’s the magic of Z-Chicken. Launched in 2019, this program gives mustahiq (zakat recipients) the opportunity to run small chicken-based food businesses. But it’s not just about handing out money. BAZNAS provides start-up capital, supplies, mentorship, training in business management, and even a reliable supply chain and branding support.
Think of it as a micro-franchise system—structured, practical, and designed for growth. Today, Z-Chicken has spread across six provinces and dozens of cities, with hundreds of mustahiq now operating their own businesses. And here’s the kicker: every rupiah invested generates around 1.68 rupiah of social benefit. Zakat money here doesn’t just get spent—it multiplies.
If Z-Chicken is about food stalls, Z-Mart focuses on the local corner shops—the humble warungs that have been slowly disappearing as big chain stores take over. Z-Mart gives these micro-retailers a second chance, upgrading shops, providing capital, training, and supply chain support, and helping them compete in the modern market.
In 2023 alone, Z-Mart supported over 660 shop owners across 14 provinces, distributing billions of rupiah in assistance. Many Z-Mart outlets now also double as distribution points for other mustahiq-made products, turning one shop into a community marketplace. It’s not just survival—it’s revival.
What makes these programs special is that they aren’t traditional charity. They’re about empowerment. BAZNAS combines zakat funds with support from government bodies, universities, industry partners, and civil society to ensure long-term sustainability. The ultimate goal? To help someone who once received zakat grow to the point where they can become a zakat giver themselves. From mustahiq to muzakki. From surviving to thriving.
Zakat was never meant to be just a transaction. It was meant to restore dignity, balance, and opportunity. Programs like Z-Chicken and Z-Mart show what zakat can achieve when used wisely.
So next time you think of zakat, don’t just picture a handout. Picture a sizzling plate of fried chicken served by a proud entrepreneur. Picture a small neighborhood shop buzzing with customers. Picture lives being rebuilt—not with pity, but with purpose.
That’s the real power of zakat. And BAZNAS is showing the world how it’s done.
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