Optimizing Zakat in the Digital Economy: An Islamic Legal Study on Influencer Income

The growth of the digital economy has given rise to new professions such as influencers and content creators who earn significant income through digital platforms. However, this reality has not been fully addressed by current zakat management systems, particularly in the context of collecting zakat from non-conventional professional earnings. This study aims to analyze the obligation of zakat on influencer income and strategies for its optimization from the perspective of Islamic law. The research method employed is library research using a normative-theological and sociological approach. Data were collected through the review of classical and contemporary fiqh literature, as well as zakat regulatory documents in Indonesia. The findings reveal that influencer income falls under zakat liability if it meets the nisab (minimum threshold) and haul (one-year holding period), either as professional zakat (kasb) or trade zakat (tijarah). Nevertheless, the implementation of zakat within the digital community remains suboptimal due to low zakat literacy, limited specific regulations, and the lack of technological integration in the zakat collection process. Therefore, strategic measures such as digital literacy programs, collaboration with the digital ecosystem, and technological and regulatory innovations are necessary to systematically tap into the zakat potential of this profession. This study underscores the importance of contemporary zakat ijtihad in responding to the dynamics of the digital economy in order to realize sustainable social justice.