Manage THR Wisely, ULM Academic: Prioritize Zakat, Pay Debts, and Investment
Banjarmasin – Ahead of Eid al-Fitr 1446 Hijriah, most Indonesians have received their Eid Allowance (THR). However, many complain that THR runs out quickly just to meet consumptive needs during Eid.
Economic observer from Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM), Dr. Ir. Syahrial Shaddiq, M.Eng., MM, M.Si., reminded of the importance of managing THR wisely. In a special discussion titled B-Talk Ramadan with Banjarmasin Post, Friday (21/3), he explained that from a sharia perspective, zakat must be prioritized before using THR for other purposes.
“In sharia, we are required to pay zakat of 2.5 percent first. After that, THR is used for halal things such as paying debts, investing, or saving through sharia products,” he said in a session hosted by journalist Edi Nugroho, which was broadcast via Instagram @banjarmasinpost, Facebook BPost Online, and YouTube Banjarmasin Post News Video.
Furthermore, he explained that in conventional management, THR allocation should be prioritized for basic needs, such as basic necessities, debt payments, as well as zakat, infak, and sedekah. Around 50-60 percent of THR should ideally be used for these needs, while the rest can be set aside for savings or investment.
According to Dr. Syahrial, the main challenge in using THR is the tendency of people to be wasteful and easily tempted by discount offers before Eid.
“Big discounts, for example above 70 percent, can be used if they are needed and the funds are sufficient. But don’t get caught up in a consumerist pattern that only follows trends and prestige,” he advised.
He also emphasized that investment is very important in financial planning, including in managing THR. “Investment is very essential. In addition to savings, we can consider investing in the education sector or precious metals such as gold, the value of which tends to continue to increase,” he explained.
Dr. Syahrial added that gold is a promising investment option, considering that the current price of gold has reached around IDR 1.6 million per gram, and is predicted to continue to increase to IDR 2 million per gram in the next few years. Interestingly, gold installment services are now available through various Islamic banks, making it easier for people to start investing.
Furthermore, he reminded people to use THR not only to fulfill momentary desires, but also to pay off financial obligations. “Debt must be prioritized because there are interest burdens and deadlines that must be met,” he explained.
In closing, Dr. Syahrial suggests that people set aside at least 20-30 percent of THR for savings or investment instruments such as mutual funds, deposits, and sharia stocks. That way, THR is not just passing through, but can provide long-term benefits for personal financial stability.
