Optimizing Islamic Economic Resources for Sustainable Development: Integrating Zakat, Waqf, and Islamic Social Finance in the Post-Pandemic Era

Abstract

Islamic economic resources—particularly zakat, waqf, and Islamic social finance—represent a distinctive ethical-economic framework designed to promote distributive justice, social welfare, and sustainable development. Despite their significant financial potential, these instruments remain under-optimized due to institutional fragmentation, governance weaknesses, and limited technological integration. This study examines the strategic integration of Islamic economic resources within a sustainable development framework in the post-pandemic era. Using a qualitative approach based on systematic literature review and conceptual synthesis, the research analyzes governance models, digital transformation, and institutional integration strategies. The findings reveal that aligning zakat redistribution, waqf-based capital formation, Islamic microfinance empowerment, and fintech-enabled governance significantly enhances socio-economic impact. The study proposes an Integrative Islamic Economic Resource Model (IERM) grounded in maqasid al-shariah to strengthen transparency, scalability, and SDG alignment. The research contributes to contemporary Islamic economics by positioning Islamic economic resources as a comprehensive development ecosystem rather than fragmented charitable instruments.