Islamic Economic System, Poverty and Insurgency: From Zakāh Distribution to Capacity Building

Abstract

Previous studies on Zakāh administration have addressed the issue of distribution of Zakāh funds to reduce the sufferings of the poor. The purpose of this work, however, is to argue for a change from Zakāh distribution to capacity building approach so as to change the condition of the poor and the needy from being Zakāh recipients to Zakāh payers. The fact remains that Nigeria is a rich nation but its people are poor. Many factors have been adduced to be the causes of poverty and perennial insurgency in Nigeria. It is observed that Zakāh is not administered as it ought in Nigeria. The study proffered efficient Zakāh institution as an effective antidote to curb the menace of poverty and insecurity. The paper argues through poverty alleviation model that if Zakāh is properly managed and disbursed judiciously, many destitute would be saved from the cloak of unscrupulous politicians and half-baked scholars who use them to destabilize the country. The study also believed that if Zakāh authority could be sending the poor to training centers to gain certain skills or financing their children’s education; this would improve their living condition. The study utilized historical and ideological framework, while relying on secondary sources.

Keywords

• Islamic Economic System, Zakāh and Poverty Alleviation, Insecurity