Sustainability Innovation of Productive Zakat Program for Santripreneurs: A Case Study of BAZNAS Z-Mart in Bengkulu Province

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the sustainability innovation of the productive zakat program for santripreneurs through a case study of the Z-Mart program managed by BAZNAS Bengkulu Province. The research focuses on how the productive zakat empowerment model fosters economic independence, particularly among beneficiaries from the santri community. This study employs a descriptive qualitative approach with a case study method. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with seven Z-Mart beneficiaries from the santripreneur category and the Head of the Distribution and Utilization Division of BAZNAS Bengkulu. The findings reveal that the Z-Mart program serves not only as short-term economic assistance but also as a sustainable empowerment model rooted in Islamic values. The success of santripreneurs in sustaining their businesses reflects strong resilience values—such as patience, trustworthiness, cooperation, and social responsibility. Moreover, continuous mentoring and coaching provided by BAZNAS have strengthened both managerial and spiritual capacities of the beneficiaries. These
findings demonstrate that santri possess great potential to manage productive zakat sustainably, making this program a promising national model for zakat-based empowerment within the pesantren ecosystem.