The aim of this paper is to evaluate the various existing models of waqf in practice and determine their applicability within the context of Malaysia. This study was undertaken to investigate the practicality, feasibility, and potential success of implementing a centralized database for the administration of waqf. The research process involved extensive desktop research and thorough benchmarking analyses. Additionally, the study delved into the identification of obstacles and challenges. To provide comprehensive insights, case studies were meticulously compared and contrasted. The findings of this study indicate that the establishment of a centralized national Waqf database would significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of Waqf operations and administration. Furthermore, it would contribute to the enhancement of integrity and transparency within the system. Following this line of thought, the adoption of such a system aligns with the principles of maqasid al-Shariah, ultimately safeguarding the reputation of Islam.

Higher education plays an important role in the human capital development of a country. Investment in higher education generally rises every year, and sustaining the financing of public institutions involved in higher education is becoming economically burdensome upon the state.While the cost for sustaining higher education is rising, the allotment for it in the government budget is eroding. In light of this, governments around the world, including Malaysia, are exploring measures to financially maintain higher education institutions without shifting the burden of ever-increasing university fees onto students and their families. In 2015, the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education launched the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2015-2025 (Higher Education), which underlined initiatives for Malaysia's higher education. One of the initiatives relates to the long-term financial sustainability of public higher education institutions. The vision and aspiration of the government is to drive Malaysian universities towards becoming financially self-sustaining. Under the University Transformation Programme, the Purple Book on Enhancing University Income Generation, Endowment & Waqf was launched in September 2016. It proposes four key initiatives for universities to enhance their income generation, namely, enhancing commercial activities, endowment, waqf and philanthropic income.

This research endeavour aims to foster collaboration among beneficiaries, donors, and waqf managers (mutawalli) by deeply understanding the prevailing legislative framework. Employing a concept-driven qualitative methodology, we conducted content analysis through a deductive approach. The investigation employed three key attributes, namely "use more, donate more, and share more," to systematically explore the ramifications of established concepts in a broader context. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted, and subsequently, the transcribed text from these FGDs underwent meticulous analysis. The study culminates in the proposition that beneficiaries, donors, and mutawalli can synchronize their efforts through the waqf project by: 1) opting for increased utilization when the waqf project offers goods and services either free of charge or at a more affordable rate compared to the prevailing market prices; 2) contributing higher donations through various means such as cash, deductions from salaries, electronic payments, or in-kind contributions; and 3) enhancing information dissemination by utilizing platforms such as social media (WhatsApp, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, etc.), mass media (television and radio), roadshows, interpersonal communication, and various online channels to propagate the cause. The initiative for synergy examines the applicability of the "benefidonors" term within the present context. The findings demonstrate that the concept of Benefidonors can indeed facilitate the collaborative sharing of information, thereby amplifying waqf contributions from beneficiaries, donors, and mutawalli. As a culmination of the study, a refined Benefidonors model is delineated, providing a comprehensive framework for effective collaboration.

The novel COVID-19 pandemic has caused an unprecedented human crisis around the globe. The necessary actions implemented to contain the virus have sparked both economic and social downturn. It shows the fragility and unpreparedness of the economy to face such a pandemic. Significant weakening of economic conditions has escalated the pressure on households, businesses and financial markets. Governments all over the globe are in the process of formulating and implementing appropriate policies to continue economic activities amidst this turmoil. Financial institutions are obligated to respond towards the policies adopted by respective governments.

Tertiary education plays crucial role in building a robust human capital base within a knowledge driven global economy. As such, tertiary education policy is increasingly becoming a significant national agenda in order to raise higher level employment skills in order to sustain a globally competitive research base as well as to improve knowledge dissemination to the benefit of society (OECD, 2008). Malaysia's education system has gone through an expansion in its various segments especially in the its higher education segment where it is to now focus on developing young talents. Malaysian higher education system was initially built under the Government's sponsorship before the entrance of private education institutions offering tertiary education. Nevertheless, given the unhealthy global economic state, this has imposed fiscal pressure on the Government.

The Department of Labour in the US recently released their COVID-19 Occupational Risk Score. The statistics are based on their Purchasing Power Parity, the homogeneity of the job description and the risk of exposure to COVID-19. The figure above may be used to depict a more generic occupational risk correlated with salary grades, that are experienced internationally, including Malaysia. The Occupational Risk Score can be divided into four quadrants: i. high income-low risk, ii. high income-high risk, iii. low income-high risk, and iv. low income-low risk. Those with the highest exposure to infection include what is now termed as the 'frontliners'. These include doctors, nurses, and other medical officers and officials, police & army, and volunteers (RELA) entrusted to enforce the movement control orders (MCO). Immigration and other enforcement officers stationed at entry and exit points are also amongst those facing the highest levels of occupational risk.

Recent statistics released by the IMF (Figure 1) provide a comparative on the significant impact that COVID-19, and the lockdown in fighting and containing the pandemic has on global economies. The IMF forecasts that the impact is expected to be more devastating than the growth experienced in the aftermath of the Global financial crisis in 2009. The Euro area is where the most severe impact is envisaged, with estimates of economic contraction at almost 8%. This is followed by the United States with an estimated contraction of 6% and Japan contracting slightly more than 5%. China and India are expected to post positive growth at 2% and 1% respectively.

This study introduces a zakat-based model aimed at poverty reduction and enhancing food security in urban settings. Drawing upon the principles of Islamic social finance, the model integrates urban farming with the utilization of zakat, charity, and corporate social responsibility funds, offering sustainable financial avenues for disadvantaged individuals and social enterprises. The primary objective of this research is to design and pilot test a practical model that not only generates consistent financial income, but also bolsters food security and advances financial inclusion. This study reviews various models that have used zakat funds for economic empowerment, conduct interviews, and hold focus group discussions. It proposes a zakat-based urban farming model for poverty alleviation and community empowerment using the theory of change. In collaboration with a leading Islamic bank in Malaysia, the model was pilot tested across selected residential communities in Malaysia. The research findings demonstrated positive impacts both at the individual participant level and within the broader community. Serving as a replicable blueprint, this project envisions the transformation of urban spaces into productive landscapes, thereby ensuring sustainable livelihood, amplifying food security, and promoting financial inclusion. Through this zakat-based approach, the research underscores the profound impact of urban farming in catalyzing socio-economic change and advancing efforts towards poverty alleviation.