Comparative Studies on Contemporary Zakat Distribution: A Practical Experience of Some Selected Muslim States

Abstract

Zakat is the major source of Islamic revenue mobilization aiming at redistribution of wealth from the rich among the societies to the less privileged ones. In the Islamic traditions, zakat is collected upon acquiring certain amount of wealth and passing the five stipulated conditions for zakatabilty, and is given to certain category of people. In the early Islamic communities, zakat has played important roles in reducing poverty and establishing social welfare. Unfortunately, successive Muslim communities fail to administer zakat in a central body as it was the practice in the ancient Islamic era.  Recently, Many Muslim states and communities consider the institutionalization of zakat system under the auspices of law and constitution. This study aims to examine the practices of zakat distribution in Malaysia, Sudan and Kuwait the three countries are assumed the leading countries in cooperate zakat management. The study finds that both countries adopt zakat distribution system suitable for their environment and level of poverty. This study will help other Muslim states and communities in developing or improving the already existing zakat system.