The Impact of Zakat Delivery by Islamic Regal Leadership on Asnaf in Perlis

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the impact of Islamic regal leadership on zakat delivery to asnaf (a group of people deserving of zakat) in Perlis. Bestowed with the constitutional authority over the state’s Islamic administration (including zakat), the regal leadership plays an important role in the effective delivery of zakat in alleviating the poor from poverty and destitution. In this article, the role of regal leadership is demonstrated through the efforts of Crown Prince of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalulail. This article argues that His Royal Highness’s role in zakat delivery has been governed by close adherence to the constitution, Islamic law, as well as Islamic principles of effective governance, all of which towards benefiting the poor.This study adopted a qualitative approach where data is collected through indepth interviews with state religious officials and 30 respondents representing the state’s zakat recipient. The findings of this study revealed that Islamic regal leadership had a significant impact on the livelihood of asnaf in Perlis, yielding positive snowballing effects while opening tremendous opportunitiesand potential for the poor to finally transition out of poverty.