Redefining the Poor and Needy and Productive Zakat as an Economic Empowerment Instrument in Indonesia

Abstract

Poverty is a multidimensional issue that is not only related to economic limitations but also includes restricted access to education, health, and social participation. In the context of zakat management, determining the categories of the poor and the needy is a fundamental aspect to ensure that zakat distribution is targeted and equitable. However, the classical definitions formulated by Islamic jurists are often inadequate when confronted with the structural and complex realities of modern poverty. This research addresses the problem of how to formulate a more operational redefinition of the poor and needy and how to examine the legality and relevance of productive zakat within the framework of ushul fiqh and fiqh taqnin. This study employs a qualitative method with a normative approach through a review of classical fiqh literature, maqāṣid al-sharī‘ah theory, zakat regulations in Indonesia, and contemporary empirical findings on poverty and productive zakat. The results indicate that redefining the poor and needy by integrating classical jurisprudence, maqāṣid al-sharī‘ah, and modern indicators such as the Multidimensional Poverty Index and the poverty line enables accurate and contextual identification of mustahik. Furthermore, productive zakat is shown to increase income and economic independence among mustahik, although stronger regulatory support at the statutory level remains necessary. This study concludes that an integrative approach combining classical fiqh and contemporary poverty indicators strengthens zakat as an instrument of social justice.