Zakat as a Social Safety Net: Assessing its Perception in a Less-Developed Rural District in Pakistan

ABSTRACT

Zakat is categorized as a religious tradition with the obligation that well-off Muslims share some of their wealth and dispense it among those in the society that are less fortunate with lower incomes. The main objective of this research is to assess service satisfaction with the distribution of zakat and the effect it can have on the recipients' social and financial status; and, whether this religious tradition which is deeply embedded in the society can supplement social services provision. Descriptive statistics were applied to analyze the responses of 192 program recipients. Focusing on responses of the recipients the results highlighted concerns related to investment and distribution of zakat. The findings concluded that contemporary zakat administration, when provided in a rural district, needs to be standardized and clearly follow guidelines for mandatory implementation. This standardization of distribution of zakat closely following the rules and laws would lead to more effective and efficient distribution helping to eliminate any current inequalities of the re-distribution of wealth. In addition to its religious value base which conforms to societal norms, zakat funds can help to decrease poverty within a community. The results show that using zakat, with its religious and spiritual traditions that are deeply embedded in the society, provide an excellent basis for supporting social work and social services provision. Implications for program improvement are explored.

KEYWORDS:

• Zakat
• social safety net
• Muslim faith
• Pakistan