Paper Title
Applying the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) in Zakah Management at the Council of Islamic Religion and Malay Customs of Kelantan (MAIK)

Abstract
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are agendas of the United Nations to enhance the social, environmental, and economics of all nations by 2030. Indeed, Malaysia has embedded these agendas in its 12th Malaysian Plan, focusing on resetting the economy, strengthening security, well-being, and inclusivity as well as advancing sustainability. Aligned with this, one of the programs initiated by the government is the distribution of zakah or alms to strengthen the economy, well-being, and inclusivity of marginalized groups. In Malaysia, the management of zakah is under the auspice of State Islamic Religious Councils (SIRCs). The objective of this study is to investigate whether zakah is well managed by the SIRCs and aligned with the SDGs. This study used a qualitative method for data collection. The researchers interviewed seven top management officers from SIRCs in the state of Kelantan and analyzed data using Nvivo 12 version. The results indicated the emergence of several themes, showing that zakah distribution fulfilled seven SDGs namely no poverty, zero hunger, health and well-being for all, quality education, career, and economic development, making cities and Asnaf settlements safe places to reside. Hence, SIRCs of the state of Kelantan namely MAIK have aligned their objectives to fulfill the SDGs agendas. The contribution and implications of the study are discussed at the end of this paper. Keywords - SDGs, 11th Malaysia Plan, MAIK, Poverty, Zakah, Asnaf