Managing the Institution of Zakat: Case Study of Muallaf in Selangor, Malaysia

Abstract

Purpose

Despite the establishment of the Zakat, its role has been argued by the new Muslim (Muallaf) community. This research attempts to examine the role played by the Zakat institution in Selangor in distributing funds and supporting Muallaf.

Methodology/approach

A qualitative approach through a series of interview sessions with management of the Zakat institution was carried out.

Findings

The results show that the department has supported Muallaf, particularly in terms of education, finance and monitoring the Muallaf through various programmes starting from the first day they convert to Islam.

Research limitations/implications

This chapter has its limitations in terms of the data collection from the Islamic religious centre. Future research should collect information from all rightful recipients, particularly the Muallaf community in order to measure the efficiency of the institution of Zakat. Future studies are important to understand how efficient the Islamic institution plays its role in managing and ensuring social economic justice among the other Muslim community.

Practical implications

This chapter indicates that the management of the Zakat institution should provide more systematic guidelines in managing Zakat fund for the efficient promotion, collection and distribution. Managing the institution of Zakat efficiently and effectively will help to enhance the image of religion, particularly Islam.

Social implications

This chapter confirms that the Islamic Religious Department of Selangor has managed to successfully administer the Zakat fund. On top of that, the department has organized several programmes for Muallaf in order to support them to be a new Muslim in a majority Muslim country.

Original/value

This chapter also clarifies the issues raised by the Muallaf community concerning the unfair treatment in distributing the Zakat fund and supporting them. This chapter contributes towards an understanding of the Zakat institution with regards to its concepts, role, issues and challenges.

Citation

Mohd Khambali @ Hambali, K.B., Hamzah, Z.L., Daud, M.Z. and Johari, F. (2016), "Managing the Institution of Zakat: Case Study of Muallaf in Selangor, Malaysia", Mutum, D.S., Butt, M.M. and Rashid, M. (Ed.) Advances in Islamic Finance, Marketing, and Management, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 325-339. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-78635-899-820161016