A Mosque-Based Economic Empowerment Model for Enhancing Community Self-Reliance: Examining the Potential of Mosques as Centers of Community Economic Growth

Abstract

This study aims to examine and formulate a mosque-based economic empowerment model to enhance community self-reliance by exploring the potential of mosques as centers of community economic growth. The research adopts a qualitative approach with a case study design, as this design enables an in-depth understanding of institutional processes, social dynamics, and empowerment practices within their real-life context. The study was conducted at an urban mosque in Indonesia that actively implements community-oriented economic programs, selected due to its institutional maturity and engagement in productive economic initiatives. Data were collected from eight key informants, including mosque administrators, economic program managers, and community members involved in mosque-supported economic activities. The informants were purposively selected based on their direct involvement and experiential knowledge. The findings indicate that mosques possess strong potential to function as community economic hubs through participatory governance, utilization of social capital, and integration of Islamic social finance with capacity-building programs. Mosque-based economic empowerment was found to contribute to increased entrepreneurial capacity, income stability, and collective self-reliance. This study recommends strengthening mosque governance, expanding productive economic programs, and fostering institutional collaboration to enhance the sustainability and scalability of mosque-based economic empowerment models.