Reimagining Zakat through Digital Innovation for Global Humanitarian Impact and Inclusive Prosperity

Abstract

This study aims to analyze how digital innovation transforms the practice and governance of global zakat and to identify its contribution to humanitarian development and inclusive prosperity. The research addresses the phenomenon of digital transformation in Islamic social finance, particularly the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and big data within zakat institutions. Employing a qualitative descriptive–exploratory approach with a collective case study design, the research investigates zakat organizations in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis involving zakat administrators, technology innovators, beneficiaries, and regulators. Thematic analysis based on the Miles and Huberman interactive model was used to identify emerging themes. The findings indicate that digital zakat fosters transparency, accountability, and distributive justice through blockchain-based governance and AI-driven systems for beneficiary mapping and impact evaluation. Moreover, digital platforms enhance humanitarian responsiveness and cross-border collaboration, linking zakat with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the maqasid al-shariah framework. The study contributes theoretically by proposing the Global Digital Zakat Transformation Model, which integrates technology, governance, and ethical principles to promote inclusive prosperity. Practically, the findings provide guidance for policymakers and zakat institutions to design adaptive regulatory frameworks and digital strategies that strengthen global zakat governance. Future studies are encouraged to explore quantitative validation and longitudinal analysis of digital zakat implementation.

Keywords: Digital Zakat, Islamic Social Finance, Blockchain, Maqasid Al-Shariah, Inclusive Prosperity