STF Discusses Practical Guidebook for Institutions to Implement Inclusive Philanthropy
FEB Theater, UIN News Online - The book titled "Inclusive Philanthropy Fundraising" was published by STF UIN Jakarta. This book was discussed at an event organized by STF UIN Jakarta in collaboration with the Bachelor's Program in Sharia Banking and Rajawali Publisher on Wednesday (12/6/2024) at Theater 2, 5th floor of the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) UIN Jakarta.
The book was written by seven philanthropic practitioners in Indonesia: Prof. Amelia Fauzia, MA., Ph.D., M. Arifin Purwakananta, Dewi Sri Sumanah, Ayu Arman Hilman Latief, Hamid Abidin, Haryo Mojopahit, and Victor Rembeth.
The book is amed to provide guidance and strategies for communicating and conducting inclusive public campaigns related to philanthropy for diversity and peace.
Prof. Amelia Fauzia, MA., Ph.D., Director of STF UIN Jakarta, explained that inclusive philanthropy emphasizes humanity by respecting diversity and supporting peace regardless of racial or religious backgrounds. Inclusive philanthropy essentially empowers humanity and prioritizes the welfare of all.
"Philanthropy is inherently inclusive. Inclusivity is an inevitability. Inclusiveness considers diversity," she stated.
Prof. Amelia also mentioned that the book resulted from a workshop in 2021 and was written in 2024 by authors from various backgrounds, both Muslim and non-Muslim, to ensure a broad and inclusive perspective. Inclusive philanthropic practices are characterized by accountability, transparency, respect for diversity, as well as principles of justice and human rights or maqashid sharia.
"Inclusivity is a strength in facing diversity, which is a natural law and sunnatullah," she remarked.
Muhammad Thoriq Hilmi, a representative from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Indonesia, explained that UNHCR Indonesia was established to assist refugees following a request from the government since 1979. UNHCR focuses on Islamic philanthropy because many refugees come from Muslim-majority countries, comprising 60 percent of the 114 million refugees worldwide.
"UNHCR does not receive zakat directly, only acting as an intermediary between zakat institutions and vulnerable refugees and specific eligible recipients," Thoriq explained.
Thoriq stated that Islamic philanthropy within UNHCR responds to donor requests to receive and distribute zakat to refugees. Islamic philanthropy at UNHCR aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), supported by 15 fatwas from global Islamic scholars and organizations endorsing this practice.
"UNHCR plays a crucial role in addressing global humanitarian crises with an inclusive approach based on Islamic values," he noted.
Managing Director of IDEAS, Haryo Mojopahit, stated that the book was created and intended as a module for Islamic philanthropic institutions to practice communication and fundraising in humanitarian work. The book is the result of extensive discussions and research, aimed at providing practical guidance for philanthropic institutions in implementing their programs.
"Fundraisers always help solve social problems and encourage the public to donate," Haryo explained.
Haryo also differentiated between fundraisers and solicitors, stating that a fundraiser's role is to educate the public about existing issues and invite them to donate. Many people want to help others but wait to be asked, highlighting the crucial role of a fundraiser.
"With the right narrative, fundraisers can increase public awareness and participation in philanthropic activities," he stated.
(Muhammad Naufal Waliyyuddin/Fauziah M./Raihan Lail)