Hubungan Antara Agihan Zakat dan Kualiti Hidup Asnaf Fakir dan Miskin

The issue of zakat distribution to the poor and needy is still prevalent today although these rightful recipients deserve the assistance as provisioned by Islam. Zakat distribution methods that fulfil the objective of the syariat (maqasid al syariah) have often been debated since such methods are indispensable in the syariat zakat. Despite of its importance, few studies have dealt with this pertinent issue. In view of this, this study set out to identify the best mechanism of zakat distribution for the poor and needy that meets the main objective of the established syariat zakat which is to attain the minimum quality of life. This study, also, aimed to identify factors that affect the success and failure of the zakat recipients in improving their livelihood. This study focused on three objectives, namely: (i) to identify the mechanism of zakat distribution management that could aid the poor and needy asnaf to attain a minimum quality of life in line with the objective of the zakat distribution, (ii) to establish a minimum standard for the poor and needy’s quality of life based on the objective of the zakat distribution and (iii) to identify factors that affect the success and failure of the poor and needy in utilizing the zakat sources in their endeavour to improve their livelihood. The research framework for this study was formed based on the maslahah concept pioneered by al-Ghazali and al-Syatibi who advocate that every syariat in Islam secures a benefit and prevents harm to human lives. Othman al-Habsyi applied the maslahah concept through his theory of just equitable distribution of wealth in Islam. In tandem with the aim and objectives of this research, the researcher employed qualitative data collection. Data were collected through archival documentation, interviews and indirect observation. The study sample included 14 people, mainly employees of the Kedah zakat management, participants of the Jayadiri
Zakat aid programme and specialists in fields related to the study. The research found that the entrepreneurial aid scheme in the form of tools provided succeeded in helping the participants moved out of poverty and attained the minimum quality of life.The minimum quality of life concept was also established based on several measurement methods which included (i) attaining comfortable life (2) rising above the poor and needy phase and (3) having income more than the nisab level. Forms of distribution, attitude and monitoring were identified as factors that affected the success and failure of the zakat recipients in transforming their standard of living. The research further concluded that in order to obtain the zakat distribution objective, specifically for the poor and needy, the three objectives obtained could become a determinant component to zakat distribution management.