Is Zakah Effective to Alleviate Poverty in a Muslim Society?: A Case of Kwara State, Nigeria

Authors

  • Abdussalam, Onagun Isiaka Faculty of Economics and Muamalat, UniversitiSains Islam Malaysia (USIM)
  • Fuadah Johari Faculty of Economics and Muamalat, UniversitiSains Islam Malaysia (USIM)
  • Mohammad Alias Faculty of Economics and Muamalat, UniversitiSains Islam Malaysia (USIM)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7187/GJAT762015.05.01

Keywords:

Institution of Zakah, Muslim Society, Poverty Alleviation, Zakah, Kwara State

Abstract

Kwara State is one of the Muslim-dominated states in Nigeria, where Islamic economic instrument of zakah is expected to play vital role in alleviating the problem of poverty in the society. One of the objectives of zakah is to economically circulate the wealth and resources from the rich to the poor and eventually realize fair distribution of those wealth and resources in a Muslim society. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of zakah in the poverty reduction of the poor Muslims in Kwara State, Nigeria, particularly, the poor Muslim women. The study employs mixed method of data collection whereby the primary data are explored using the questionnaire and interview designed for the potential respondents during the on-going academic research programme 2013/2014 academic session of 360 sample size. Similarly, verses from Holy Qu’ran and Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) are used in the study. For the secondary data, existing literature and studies on zakah are also used. Data gathered are analysed using frequencies, percentages and inferential statistics via SPSS 20.0. The findings show that zakah and its institution are not significantly related to and effective in reducing poverty among the poor Muslims in Kwara State, Nigeria. However, recommendations are made towards introduction of standard institution of zakah in the State in order to assist in poverty reduction among the poor Muslims.

References

Al-Quran.

Abdelbaki, H. H. (2014). Assessment of the Impact of Zakah on Aggregate Consumption and Poverty: Evidence from Egypt. British Journal of Economics, Management and Trade.Vol. 4 (8), 1306-1322, May.

Abdussalam, O. I., Fuadah, J., & Mohammad, A. (2013a). Why Women are Being Poor in Kwara State, Nigeria: An Explanation from the Generic Theory. 5th Islamic Economic System Conference 2013 (5th iECONS 2013).4th – 5th, September. P.p. 802-815.

Ahmad Fahme, M. A., Zaleha, M. N., Muhammad Ridhwan, A. A., Mohd Faisol, I., & Fuadah, J. (2013). Impact of Zakat Distribution on Poor and Needy Recipients: An Analysis in Kelantan, Malaysia. Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences. 7(13):177-182.

Akgunduz, A. (n.d.). The Zakat and Waqf are as Bridge between Profits and Greed. Retrieved from www.gmomf.org/media/741.pdf/cached...Retrieved on 16 May 2013.

Amuda, Y. J. (2013). Empowerment of Nigerian Muslim Households through Waqf, Zakat, Sadaqat and Public Funding.International Journal of Trade, Economics & Finance. 4(6):December.

Animashaun, I. A. (2010).The Conception of Poverty in Obubra Rural, Nigeria. Global Journal of Social Science. 91: 21-28.

Anita, M. S., Wan Noor Hazlina, W. J., Norudin, M., & Kamaruzaman, J. (2011). A Robust Zakah System: Towards a Progressive Socio-Economic Development in Malaysia. Middle-East Journal of Scientific Research. 7(4): 550-554.

Bello, D. A. (2009). Poverty Alleviation through Zakah and Waqf Institutions: A Case for the Muslim Ummah in Ghana. (MPRA Paper No.23191). Retrieved from www.mpra.ub.unimuenchen.de/23191/1/MPRA_paper_23191.pdf… Retrieved on 16 May 2013.

Deuraseh, N. (2009). Preservation of Health in Islamic Law. International Islamic University Malaysia, IIUM Press, Kuala Lumpur.

Hossain, M. Z. (2012). Zakah in Islam: A Powerful Poverty Alleviating Instrument for Islamic Countries. International Journal of Economic Development Research and Investment. 3(1): April.

Nasim Shah, S. (2014). Integrating Zakah and Waqf into the Poverty Reduction Strategy of the IDB Member Countries.Islamic Economic Studies. 22(1):79-108.

Obaidullah, M. (2012).Zakah Management for Poverty Alleviation. Islamic Research and Training Institute (IRTI): Department of Training and Information Services.

Puziah, A., Dasimah, O., & Noor Rahamah, A. B. (2008). Poverty and Empowerment: An Islamic Perspective, in Managing Sustainable Development and Poverty Alleviation in the Islamic World. A. H. Ansari & S. Nair (comp. &ed.). Kuala Lumpur: CPDS, Faculty of Economics and Administration, University of Malaya (UM). pp. 137-166.

Wamakko, A. M., & Maitafsir, M. G. (2008). Efforts of Governor AliyuMagatakardaWamakko on Poverty Alleviation in the Sokoto Caliphate of Nigeria, in Managing Sustainable Development and Poverty Alleviation in the Islamic World. A. H. Ansari & S. Nair (comp. &ed.). Kuala Lumpur: CPDS, Faculty of Economics and Administration, University of Malaya, Malaysia. pp. 91-96.

Downloads

Published

31-08-2024

How to Cite

Abdussalam, Onagun Isiaka, Fuadah Johari, & Mohammad Alias. (2024). Is Zakah Effective to Alleviate Poverty in a Muslim Society?: A Case of Kwara State, Nigeria. Global Journal Al-Thaqafah, 5(1), 33–41. https://doi.org/10.7187/GJAT762015.05.01