The Role of Zakat in Supporting Crisis-Affected Communities: A Qualitative Case Study

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the role of Zakat in supporting communities affected by crises, by examining the model of the National Zakat Agency in Indonesia (BAZNAS) as an advanced example of Sharia governance, institutional management, and emergency response.

The findings indicate that the BAZNAS model is characterized by:

• Strong Sharia-compliant governance

• Rapid and systematic disaster response

• Effective programs in housing, relief, healthcare, and economic empowerment

The study compares the humanitarian needs of the Gaza Strip with the operational capacities of BAZNAS and proposes establishing a specialized Emergency Zakat Model for Gaza inspired by the Indonesian experience. This proposed model includes:

• A Gaza Emergency Response Unit

• Clear Sharia governance

• A data-driven collection and distribution system

• Reconstruction and economic empowerment programs

The study concludes that Zakat is not merely a financial act of worship; rather, it is a socio-economic system capable of building more resilient communities when organized through an institutional framework similar to that of BAZNAS.