Personality Transformation of Asnafpreneurs: Elements in The Formation of Holistic Character Among Resilient Individuals

Nurul Najibah Zainal; Nooramira  Ghazali; Siti Aisyah  Sabri; Mohammad Shaharudin Samsurijan; Muhammad Shahrul  Ifwat; Abdullah Mohamad

doi:10.33102/jfatwa.vol31no2.790

Authors

Nurul Najibah Zainal Faculty of Islamic Contemporary Studies, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, MALAYSIA
Nooramira Ghazali Faculty of General Studies and Advanced Education, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, 21300 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, MALAYSIA
Siti Aisyah Sabri Faculty of Islamic Contemporary Studies, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, MALAYSIA
Mohammad Shaharudin Samsurijan School of Social Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, MALAYSIA
Muhammad Shahrul Ifwat Islamic Social Finance Research Centre, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, MALAYSIA
Abdullah Mohamad Faculty of Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Terengganu, MALAYSIA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33102/jfatwa.vol31no2.790

Keywords:

holistic character, asnafpreneur, resilience, qualitative study

Abstract

The development of entrepreneurship among asnaf is not simply an effort to enhance income or reduce dependency. It represents a broader attempt to link economic participation with the formation of resilient and dignified individuals. Asnaf entrepreneurs are classified as a group of asnaf who are being transformed into productive asnaf through entrepreneurship programmes, particularly among those categorized as the poor and the needy. These entrepreneurs receive capital assistance and continuous support to enable them to manage their enterprises effectively. However, in this context holistic character (sahsiah holistik) forms a crucial foundation that influences the capability of asnafpreneurs to overcome both business and life challenges. This study explores the key elements involved in the formation of holistic character among asnafpreneurs to identify factors that foster resilience in business and life. A qualitative approach was employed to gain an in-depth understanding of the experiences, perceptions, and moral practices of asnafpreneurs. Six informants consisted of officers from zakat institutions, were selected through purposive sampling, and their narratives were analyzed using ATLAS.ti 23. The thematic analysis discloses five interrelated elements in the transformation of sahsiah: (i) spiritual strength and religious values, (ii) institutional and community support, (iii) self-motivation and perseverance, (iv) informal learning and life experience, and (v) emotional management and entrepreneurial ethics. This study proposes a preliminary framework for holistic character formation that can serve as the foundation for developing training modules and intervention programs to continuously empower resilient asnaf entrepreneurs. The findings also provide policy implications for zakat institutions to focus more on character development and internal strength in their asnaf entrepreneurship programs.

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