Zakat collection and distribution in Selangor, Malaysia

Zakat is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which aims to purify heart from selfishness and greed as well as achieving socio-economic justice among Muslim communities. In Malaysia, Muslims are encouraged to make their zakat payments to the government's zakat collection centres for proper distribution to the zakat recipients. Malaysia has a unique system of zakat management since it falls under the jurisdiction of each state. This study will determine current zakat practice in Malaysia which managed professionally and and efficiently for the wellbeing of Muslim society, especially in LZS. It will focus on zakat institution in one of the state in Malaysia, i.e. Selangor, which is known as Selangor Zakat Board (Lembaga Zakat Selangor- LZS) and one of the leading zakat collection and distribution institutions in Malaysia. The main objective of this study is to identify the differences between the views of classical and contemporary fiqh scholars on the practices of zakat collection and distribution using latest technology as well as in line with Islamic values by LZS. Furthermore, how LZS adopts and adapts the new zakat collection and distribution methods especially in contemporary Muslim's setting will be analyzed. This study employed qualitative research approach which involves library research materials in Malay, English, Arabic and Turkish resources. The best practices of LZS will be analysed through its Annual Report between the years 2014 to 2018. Besides, data also gathered through interview session with one of LZS's Board of Director. This study indicates that LZS is one of the leading zakat institution in Malaysia that has been professionally managed in terms of collection and distribution of zakat. LZS has introduced some innovative methods for zakat collection and distribution, not only to cater the needs of zakat recipients, but also adhered to Islamic law by following the fatwa issued by the state authority.