The data of this research are collected from interviews and written documents. The
purpose of this research is to analyze the role of productive waqf in empowering the ummah’s
economy in West Sumatra as well as to elaborate the supporting and inhibiting factors in developing
the waqf productive in West Sumatra. Business facilities provided by the waqf management
institutions give communities more chances to get employed or to expand their businesses and gain
more profits so increase their living standards as well. As a whole the waqf management in West
Sumatra has gone well and got supported from most community members. The only obstacle is
limited cash waqf so make it rather difficult to expand the waqf assets. Therefore in order to make the
ummah economic empowerment on the basis of productive waqf becomes more effective, it is
suggested that the waqf management institutions introduce a money waqf movement.
Keywords: productive waqf; rent; profit sharing; business; economic empowerment.