UPM Student Pays RM20,000 in Zakat from Own Business Earnings

By: Husnina Zahra Hadri

SERDANG, 26 March – A final-year Bachelor of Agribusiness student at the Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Muhammad Hafidz Shahril Izwan, has demonstrated that business success is not measured solely by profit margins, but also by social responsibility, after paying RM20,000 in business zakat at the age of 23.

Muhammad Hafidz, founder of Vartico, a company established in 2021 specialising in custom printing services including T-shirts, lanyards, buntings and medals, achieved this remarkable milestone while still pursuing his undergraduate studies.

His accomplishment places him among a small group of university students capable of reaching such a level of financial stability. More significantly, it reflects his commitment to Islamic entrepreneurial values, where financial gain is balanced with social obligation.

Muhammad Hafidz said fulfilling zakat had been his aspiration since the early days of his business journey, as he believes that every profit earned carries a responsibility.

“I am deeply grateful for the blessings granted by Allah SWT, and I have always intended to fulfil my zakat obligations once I achieved financial stability through my business,” he said.

He added that his family upbringing played a pivotal role in shaping his awareness of the importance of zakat, emphasising that wealth is a trust that must be used to assist those in need.

“My parents always remind me that once our business is successful and we are in a comfortable position, we must not forget to pay zakat and help those who are less fortunate,” he said.

As part of his ongoing commitment, he allocates between 10 and 20 per cent of his annual profits for zakat to ensure the obligation is carried out consistently.

He believes that true success lies not merely in annual profit figures, but in the blessings received and the positive impact created for society.

“For me, profit and social responsibility should not be separated. Both complement each other in building a sustainable business that benefits the community,” he added.

Earlier, Muhammad Hafidz presented the zakat contribution during a breaking of fast and Tarawih Prayer Ceremony with the Chancellor of UPM at the UPM Mosque, which gathered approximately 1,000 members of the university community and local residents.

The event also witnessed the presentation of aid to asnaf students and other recipients of zakat and waqf funds managed by the UPM Centre for Waqf, Zakat and Endowment (WAZAN)