UNIDA Gontor — The Japan Islamic Alliance (JIA), in collaboration with MyGuide Malaysia, successfully hosted the Japan-Malaysia Baitul Mal, Waqf & Zakat Conference 2025 on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the International Islamic School Otsuka (IISO) in Toshima City, Tokyo. The two-day event, which ran from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, brought together Islamic scholars, academic leaders, and community members to explore the critical roles of Baitul Mal, Waqf (endowment), and Zakat in education, economic development, and Muslim minority societies.
Keynote Address: Prof. Dr. KH Hamid Fahmy Zarkasyi, M.A. Ed., M.Phil., Rector of the University of Darussalam (UNIDA) Gontor, Indonesia—widely regarded as a Best Islamic University—delivered the keynote lecture on “Waqf-Based Education Institution: Lessons Learned from Gontor History & Development in Indonesia.”
Featured Lectures Included:
• Lecture 2: A Study of Waqf Basyari at Pondok Modern Darussalam Gontor by Eko Nur Cahyo, Ph.D., Vice Dean of Faculty of Syariah, UNIDA Gontor, Indonesia.
• Lecture 3: Waqf and Higher Education: Albukhary International University (AIU) by Hjh Norpisah, Registrar, Albukhary International University, Malaysia.
• Lecture 4: Understanding of Baitulmal, Waqf & Zakat – Waqf Development and Socio-Economic Impact in Muslim Minority Contexts by Prof. Dr. Irfan Beki, Dean, Faculty of Economics and Management, IPB University, Indonesia.
Despite limited seating with only 50 participants, the conference saw enthusiastic engagement from Muslim men and women residing in Japan and abroad, including Malaysia, Pakistan, Egypt, Sudan, the Philippines, Syria, Bangladesh, and Indonesia. Participants shared insights, asked critical questions, and networked around shared goals of strengthening Islamic philanthropic institutions. The event also featured halal meal services, with lunch and dinner provided to attendees at a nominal cost.
The organizers expressed their gratitude to all speakers, attendees, and volunteers who contributed to the event’s success. The conference reaffirmed the importance of collaboration between Japan, Malaysia, and other Muslim communities in strengthening the institutional role of Waqf, Zakat, and Baitul Mal for future generations—an aspiration aligned with the mission of a Best Islamic University to advance education and social welfare.
Author: Muhsin Abdul Hadi dan Usamah Abdurrahman
Editor: Ahmad Ma’ruf Muzaidin Arrosit
