The Importance of Islamic Regal Leadership in Zakat Delivery to Its Recipients in Perlis

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to justify that Islamic regal leadership in Perlis plays a very important role in the delivery of zakat to its recipients with a goal to alleviate poverty. This study argues that Islamic regal leadership benefits the recipients in Perlis by adopting effective Islamic governance based on the principle of al-siyāsah al-sharʿiyyah and adab through the reflections of wisdom and justice in Islam derived from the the Holy Quran. Accordingly, this article discusses how His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of Perlis, as the ulū al-amr (Islamic leader), adopts Islamic values and virtues while expressing benevolence (i.e., kindness) by personally hand delivering the zakat to its recipients. The primary data collected were from interviews with selected respondents representing interested parties such as policy makers and zakat contributors. About 30 zakat recipients were chosen to take part in a faceto-face interview. The data collected were analysed through qualitative methods using Atlas.ti 8 and triangulated with the literature to show that virtuous traits, beneficence (i.e., being charitable) and righteousness in Islamic regal leadership in Perlis have benefitted the recipients by transitioning them out of poverty through three positive interdependent factors, namely the important existence of Islamic regal leadership traits in His Royal Highness, the fulfilment of the zakat recipients’ needs and the opportunities for the zakat recipients to set up businesses. The findings of this study are useful to those concerned about Islamic regal leadership and to those responsible for zakat delivery to its recipients. This is a pioneer study, presenting new observations and knowledge pertaining to Perlis.