Exploring zakat assistance and its impact on muallaf in Sabah

Zakat is one of the key instruments in the Islamic social welfare system. It aims to assist the asnaf, including muallaf (new converts to Islam). The transition of faith for a muallaf is often accompanied by various challenges such as financial strain, family conflict, social isolation, and the need for religious education. Although zakat institutions provide various forms of assistance, the nature and suitability of such aid in addressing the actual needs of muallaf remain under-documented. This study was therefore conducted to explore the types of zakat assistance provided to muallaf, assess their impact on their lives, and identify the challenges faced by zakat institutions in delivering such aid. The study was carried out in a selected district in the state of Sabah using a qualitative approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with two main groups of informants, zakat officers and muallaf and supported by document analysis. The findings reveal that zakat assistance to muallaf includes oneoff financial aid, periodic financial aid, religious guidance classes, and entrepreneurial support programmes. The financial assistance helps ease the burden of those who have recently embraced Islam, particularly in meeting basic needs, as many still live with non-Muslim family members. Religious guidance classes provide them with the knowledge and confidence to practise Islamic teachings in daily life, while entrepreneurial support enables them to become self-reliant and eventually independent from zakat aid. However, several challenges hinder the delivery of assistance, including incomplete applications due to limited understanding of the required supporting documents, as well as difficulties in accessing facilities such as photocopy machines for those living far from urban areas. In addition, the high volume of applications during certain periods, such as before Hari Raya, often results in delays in approval and disbursement. This study offers a comprehensive account of the forms of zakat assistance provided to muallaf and the challenges faced in its implementation. The findings highlight the need for process improvements and more responsive approaches to strengthen support for this group