Optimizing the Role of Zakat Institution Building resilience Against the Risk of the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The devastating effect of the covid-19 pandemic is undeniable. From only health crisis, it affects the social and economic life. Unemployment, job loss, and bankruptcy were just some examples of the effects. The government and society need to build resilience to survive the pandemic. zakat institution was an effective element that can help to mitigate the risk of the pandemic. This study aims to investigate the role of zakat institution in Indonesia to build resilience to the crisis and shock causing by the pandemic. This research was conducted using qualitative descriptive method. The data were gathered by distributing questionnaire to six zakat institution. Interview was also conducted to the zakat administrators. This study found that zakat institutions urgently response the pandemic crisis by adjusting its fundraising and distribution strategy. During 2020, the amount of funds collected by the six respondents were higher compared to the average one in two to five years before the pandemic. Make use of digital transformation was dominantly applied in fundraising strategy. The distribution program during pandemic greatly helped people who are affected by the pandemic. Education program regarding prevention of virus transmission was conducted by zakat institution as well.