ZAKAT DISTRIBUTION: AN INDIVIDUALIZED APPROACH BASED ON MAQASHID AL-SYARIAH

Abstract

Zakat is one of Islam's instruments for addressing poverty and social inequality. Beyond being a religious obligation, zakat has social and economic dimensions aimed at assisting the underprivileged. In Islam, zakat can be distributed either consumptively or productively, with the hope of improving the welfare of its recipients (mustahik). However, in practice, many individuals choose to distribute zakat independently rather than through official zakat management institutions. This study examines the practice of individualized zakat distribution in Banyuates Village, Sampang Regency, from the perspective of Islamic Economic Maqashid. Using a qualitative approach with a phenomenological method, this research explores the reasons behind the community’s preference for direct zakat distribution and its implications for economic welfare. The findings indicate that the decision of muzakki to distribute zakat individually is influenced by social proximity, trust, and the perceived effectiveness of ensuring direct assistance to mustahik. Although individualized zakat distribution provides immediate benefits to local communities, the lack of coordination with zakat institutions may hinder the optimization of zakat as an economic empowerment tool. Therefore, efforts are needed to enhance public trust in zakat management institutions and to raise awareness of the benefits of more organized zakat distribution. With proper zakat management, it can serve as a more effective instrument for improving welfare and achieving the objectives of Maqashid Shariah.