اقتصادی استحکام اور غربت کے خاتمے میں زکوۃ کا کردار: شرعی بنیادیں اور معاصر ضروریات

The Role of Zakat in Economic Stability and Poverty Alleviation: Shariah Foundations and Contemporary Needs

Abstract

This research explores Zakat as a fundamental pillar of Islamic social justice and a strategic tool for economic stability and poverty alleviation, moving beyond its perception as a mere ritual to address rising global economic inequality.By reviewing classical jurisprudential works alongside modern contributions from scholars like Dr. Yusuf al-Qaradawi, the study identifies a significant gap in integrating Shariah principles with modern financial technologies and institutional frameworks . It addresses critical questions regarding how Shariah foundations can mitigate modern instability and the potential of technology to transform Zakat from survival aid into productive capital . Utilizing a descriptive and analytical qualitative methodology based on primary religious sources and contemporary economic reports , the study concludes that Zakat acts as an automatic economic stabilizer that prevents wealth concentration. Transitioning to an organized, technology-based system incorporating AI and Blockchain is essential for long-term financial self-sufficiency . Consequently, it is recommended that governments digitalize Zakat systems for transparency, focus on providing productive assets and skills instead of simple cash transfers, and expand the Zakat net to include modern digital assets and stocks.