A PROPOSED MOSQUE MODEL FOR ZAKĀT GOVERNANCE TOWARDS ACHIEVING GLOBAL PEACE

Abstract

The Global Peace Index (GPI) aims at identifying potential mechanisms to sustain and quantify the level of peacefulness among countries. The recent GPI results indicate that many Muslim majority countries score low on the level of peacefulness. Coincidently, according to UNDP’s Human Development Index these countries also suffer from severe multi-dimensional poverty. Alleviating poverty and increasing the socio-economic well-being are believed to be among the key factors to increase the level of peacefulness. Hence, the study argues that good governance of zakāt funds would be among one of the solutions. This could be done by enhancing the role of mosques as a platform to manage zakāt funds. Proper management of zakāt funds could help contribute to the satisfactory achievement of the peacefulness level. However, a clear and effective system in managing zakāt funds through mosques is yet to be established. Therefore, the present study aims to develop a model of good governance for mosques to manage zakāt funds. In developing a model the study has identified three fundamental units namely: Governance Unit, Recipients Information and Multimedia Unit and Collection and Distribution Unit. It is hoped that the proposed model could contribute to better zakāt management, enhance the role of mosques and achieve peace.