The Role of Zakat Institutions in Achieving the Sufficiency Level for Zakat Recipients

Abstract

Achieving sufficiency in living is considered one of the primary objectives that Islamic Sharia aims to achieve for people in general, in order to safeguard their interests and preserve the intended purpose of the law in maintaining the human species. Sufficiency does not merely encompass basic needs like food and drink; it extends to everything that enables individuals and their families to lead a dignified life. One of the best means of distributing wealth and reaching the level of sufficiency is through zakat.mZakat institutions in the Arab and Islamic world strive to achieve sufficiency for those who meet the criteria of eligibility for zakat, such as orphans, widows, prisoners, and financially challenged students unable to continue their education due to inability to pay their fees. This is done after careful investigation and examination of their situations. These institutions also endeavor to provide job opportunities for them, encouraging them to meet their needs. This research sheds light on this issue from multiple perspectives, aiming to answer questions such as: What is the concept of sufficiency? Should zakat institutions consider the sufficiency level in the eight categories? What is the criterion for sufficiency? Who are the eligible recipients to achieve this level? What is the impact of changing the sufficiency level on zakat eligibility? The research problem lies in determining the criterion for sufficiency and examining its variation with changes in time and place, as well as elucidating its impact on zakat distribution. The research adopts a descriptive-analytical approach based on Islamic jurisprudence, relying on specialized references that combine both ancient and contemporary juristic perspectives. The key findings of the research indicate that anyone who meets the criteria of need is considered to have not reached the level of sufficiency and thus qualifies for zakat. The research recommends the establishment of Sharia committees in zakat institutions to investigate and verify the non-achievement of the sufficiency level by zakat recipients.