Keywords
poverty eradication
Islamic economics
social justice
sustainable development
redistribution
How to Cite
Abstract
Zakat, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, is a divinely ordained mechanism designed to promote social justice through wealth redistribution. Beyond its ritual dimension, zakat functions as an economic and moral framework that mitigates poverty, narrows inequality, and reinforces communal solidarity. This paper examines zakat as a comprehensive poverty eradication instrument from an Islamic perspective, highlighting both classical foundations and contemporary empirical evidence. Drawing upon the Qur’an, Hadith, and the works of prominent Islamic economists, this study explores how zakat’s principles align with sustainable development and social protection goals. It also assesses recent research (2020–2025) on zakat institutions in Muslim-majority countries, especially Indonesia, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and Bangladesh, to identify factors influencing efficiency and effectiveness. Findings indicate that zakat can substantially reduce poverty when supported by efficient governance, digitalization, integration with public welfare systems, and transparent distribution. The paper concludes with policy recommendations to strengthen institutional frameworks and enhance zakat’s role as a transformative tool for social justice and poverty eradication.References
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