DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN MOSQUE GOVERNANCE: A TECHNOLOGY-ENABLED OUTREACH MODEL FOR ELDERLY ZAKAT ADMINISTRATION IN KEDAH
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35631/JISTM.1144023Keywords:
Digital Profiling, Islamic Social Finance, Mosque Governance, Older Persons, Zakat ManagementAbstract
The rapid demographic shift towards an ageing society presents significant socio-economic challenges in Malaysia, particularly within rural and semi-urban states such as Kedah. Although local mosques (masjid kariah) serve as important socio-religious hubs, existing mosque-based zakat systems frequently rely on manual, reactive, and fragmented processes. Consequently, vulnerable older persons risk being overlooked, whilst instances of aid duplication persist. Based on a qualitative synthesis of relevant literature and institutional frameworks, this study proposes a conceptual framework titled the Mosque-Led Ecosystem for Zakat Management (MLEZOM) to optimize localized Islamic social finance. Unlike traditional manual and fragmented mosque-based zakat practices, MLEZOM introduces distinct novelty through the systematic integration of digital profiling, youth-assisted community outreach, and multi-tier institutional coordination. The model comprises four core operational pillars: (1) digital profiling and needs assessment, (2) youth-assisted outreach networks, (3) SOP and service delivery development, and (4) impact monitoring and evaluation. By structuring these components into an integrated workflow, the framework aims to reduce the risk of overlooking vulnerable asnaf and improve distribution accuracy. Ultimately, the proposed model illustrates how localized socio-technical governance can strengthen institutional trust, streamline administrative operations, and maximize the social impact of mosque-based financial distribution.
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