Digital Inclusion and Religion-Based Empowerment: How Technology Strengthens the Spirit of Zakat in Times of Uncertainty

Abstract

The era of global uncertainty marked by social, economic, and humanitarian crises demands the emergence of a community empowerment model that is adaptive to digital transformation without losing its foundation in religious values. This study aims to analyze the role of digital inclusion and financial technology integration, specifically the use of the Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard (QRIS) and digital zakat platforms such as BAZNAS GoZakat, Dompet Dhuafa Digital, and Rumah Zakat, in strengthening the spirit of zakat as an instrument of social justice amidst crisis and uncertainty. The approach used is a qualitative-descriptive multi-platform case study with data collection through in-depth interviews, digital observations, and a literature review of BAZNAS reports and Bank Indonesia policies related to the digitalization of Islamic finance. The results show that digitalization of zakat through QRIS and online platforms not only increases the participation of muzaki (recipients of zakat) and expands the reach of beneficiaries, but also strengthens the transparency and accountability of zakat institutions. Although this study is limited to a national context, the findings provide practical implications for strengthening digital zakat policies and collaboration between institutions. Socially, this study confirms that technology can function as a new spiritual medium that revitalizes communal solidarity. This research offers a conceptual model of “Faith-Tech Inclusion Model for Zakat Resilience” that integrates spirituality, technology, and social resilience to build an inclusive and sustainable digital zakat ecosystem.