Determinants of awareness to contribution to cash waqf: an analysis among Pejabat Daerah Besut staff

Cash waqf is a form of endowment involving monetary contributions for charitable purposes and social development. A study was conducted in Besut regarding awareness of cash waqf, which found that the Besut community in 2015 had low awareness of cash waqf practices. This study aims to explore awareness of cash waqf among the staff of the Besut District Office. The main objectives of this study are to measure the level of awareness and understanding of cash waqf practices, identify the factors determining awareness, and examine efforts to promote public awareness of its benefits. Therefore, using a qualitative approach, interviews were conducted with five staff members of the Besut District Office who held positions as officers, selected for interviews to gain in-depth views and experiences on the concept of cash waqf. The analytical methods used in this study were thematic analysis and content analysis to identify the themes that align with the objectives and ensure proper organization of the findings.The results of the study indicate that there is awareness among the staff of the Besut District Office, where some are aware, but others are not. However, the number of individuals with understanding is larger, suggesting that they have an average level of knowledge. This shows that there is some awareness among the staff, with the main challenges including economic constraints, differences in income levels, and the community's limited confidence in fund management. Various efforts made by the Besut District Office, such as salary deductions, mobile applications, and community engagement initiatives, were identified as effective tools to encourage contributions. The study also emphasizes the need for comprehensive promotional efforts, such as collaboration with local leaders, digital campaigns, and educational programs, to enhance understanding and participation in cash waqf. The study outlines the importance of institutional support and transparency in increasing trust and involvement to attract more people to contribute to cash waqf. It also calls for integrating cash waqf into broader community development strategies to maximize its socio-economic impact, as cash waqf can support the Islamic economy. Future research could explore comparative analysis across different regions or organizations, incorporate quantitative methods, and assess the long-term impact of cash waqf contributions on local development. The findings aim to contribute to the growing discourse on Islamic philanthropy and its potential in fostering sustainable community growth.