ALIGNING ZAKAT WITH EDUCATIONAL EQUITY: A GLOBAL LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Educational equity remains a pressing global challenge, particularly for marginalized and economically disadvantaged groups who face significant barriers to accessing quality education. Zakat, an Islamic financial practice rooted in the redistribution of wealth, has emerged as a potential solution to address these disparities. However, despite its transformative potential, the role of zakat in promoting educational equity has not been fully realized due to systemic challenges in its implementation and distribution. This study aims to comprehensively review existing evidence on the contributions of zakat to educational equity, identify key challenges in its implementation, and examine its connections to critical themes such as educational support, zakat recipients, empowerment programs, and zakat distribution. A systematic literature review methodology was employed, utilizing Scopus AI to identify and analyze peer-reviewed articles, conference papers, and book chapters published between 2010 and 2025. The findings reveal that zakat significantly improves educational outcomes by providing financial aid, enhancing academic performance, and reducing barriers to participation for disadvantaged students, particularly in Malaysia, Pakistan, and Indonesia. Empowerment programs funded by zakat further foster holistic development by combining material support with skill-building and mentorship, enabling recipients to break free from cycles of poverty. However, challenges such as inequitable distribution, rigid eligibility criteria, and limited collaboration between stakeholders hinder its effectiveness. The study underscores the importance of transparent and inclusive zakat mechanisms, aligning initiatives with broader educational policies, and adopting innovative approaches like microfinance programs to enhance sustainability. The implications of this research extend to policymakers, zakat institutions, and educators, offering actionable insights into designing equitable and scalable zakat programs. By integrating zakat with global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this study highlights its potential to advance educational equity and foster inclusive development. Future research should explore cross-regional comparisons and long-term impacts to further strengthen these efforts.