Exploring the Role of Technologies in Zakat Organizations:  The Case of Mauritius

Yasser Chuttur

doi:10.31436/ijema.v31i1.1156

Authors

Yasser Chuttur University of Mauritius, Mauritius

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31436/ijema.v31i1.1156

Keywords:

Zakat management, Poverty, Mauritius, Developing countries, Technology

Abstract

Mauritius is a Muslim minority developing country. Over the years, several zakat organizations have been set up to help the needy. Yet, many local Muslims still face poverty. Researchers argue that poverty prevailing among Muslims may result from inefficient management of zakat funds by zakat organizations. Researchers also claim that zakat organizations should adopt appropriate technologies to assist them in efficiently collecting and distributing zakat to the needy. Evidence, however, is lacking to support this claim. To address this gap, a structured questionnaire was used in this study to collect information about the technology used in thirty major zakat organizations in Mauritius. The questionnaire also collected information about the challenges faced by those organizations when managing zakat funds. Analysis of the survey data revealed that zakat organizations in Mauritius make little use of technologies for their operations. The organizations also reported facing several operational challenges, which in turn affect their ability to efficiently assist needy individuals. In response to the reported challenges, several technology recommendations have been identified. Zakat organizations are urged to adopt the recommended technologies to better play their role in alleviating poverty among needy Muslims.

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