The potential of zakat for senior citizens in Malaysia

Adnan, Ieman Sofiyya and Busari, Saheed Abdullahi (2025) The potential of zakat for senior citizens in Malaysia. In: Contemporary issues in Islamic Law and social practices: gender roles, legal perspectives and family dynamics. Contemporary Fiqh Research Unit, KIRKHS, IIUM and Islamic Book Trust, Kuala Lumpur, pp. 1-25.

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Abstract

The global senior citizen population is expected to reach 2.1 billion by 2050. Malaysia’s senior citizen population, on the other hand, is expected to become an ageing nation in 2044, as 14% of its population comprises those aged 65 and above. Therefore, immediate action and measures from the government and relevant bodies are necessary, as projections indicate that the aged population in Malaysia will rise at the fastest rate in the next few decades due to historical and current trends in fertility and mortality. The government and relevant bodies have made numerous preparations and conducted numerous studies to identify the most effective ways to tackle these significant challenges. As for that, Islamic financial instruments such as Zakat, Sadaqah, and Waqf are some of the areas that need and are being explored, as many resources can be utilised to cater to the problems that we are facing. Zakat, one of Islam’s five pillars, is an obligatory charitable act for Muslims who reach a certain level of wealth. Over the decades, Zakat has contributed a significant amount of financial assistance and sustenance (Qiwamah) to alleviate the lives of the poor and needy. The traditional distribution of Zakat to the poor and needy has led to a growing recognition of its potential to support Malaysia’s ageing population. Numerous potentials remain unexplored and need further study. Therefore, this paper explores the potential of Zakat to improve the welfare and well-being of Malaysia’s elderly while adapting to Maqāṣid Sharī‘ah. This study focuses on how Zakat in Malaysia can provide sustenance (Qiwamah) for needy senior citizens through direct financial assistance, healthcare services, food and nutrition support, housing assistance, and empowerment initiatives, ensuring comprehensive support for their well-being. The Maqāṣid Sharī‘ah refers to the fundamental objectives of Islamic law, which include the safeguarding and preservation of faith, life, intellect, lineage, and property. The research contends that Zakat can be employed to advance the Maqāṣid Sharī‘ah among elderly individuals by attending to their economic, societal, and religious requirements. The study will employ a qualitative research methodology. Zakat can be utilised to provide financial assistance to poor senior citizens, promote the establishment of infrastructure and services that cater to the unique needs of senior citizens, and fund educational and spiritual programmes oriented towards the elderly.

Item Type:	Book Chapter
Subjects:	BPH Islamic Economics > BPH531 Zakat
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences > Department of Fiqh and Usul al-Fiqh
Depositing User:	Dr. Saheed Abdullahi Busari
Date Deposited:	23 Jan 2025 15:56
Last Modified:	23 Jan 2025 15:56
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/118582

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