THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PRODUCTIVE ZAKAT IN IMPROVING THE WELFARE OF MUSTAHIK: A STUDY ON NATIONAL AMIL ZAKAT INSTITUTION

Productive zakat is a strategic Islamic-based economic empowerment approach aimed at improving the long-term welfare of mustahik (zakat recipients). This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of productive zakat distributed by a national amil zakat institution in enhancing the economic, social, and psychological well-being of mustahik. Using a descriptive qualitative method, data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation involving 30 mustahik from three leading productive zakat programs. The findings reveal that most mustahik experienced significant improvements in income, business assets, self-confidence, and social participation. However, the program's effectiveness is highly dependent on the quality of mentoring, pre-disbursement education, and sustainable monitoring systems. These results highlight the need for a more participatory and locally adaptive program design. The study provides practical implications for strengthening the governance of productive zakat at the national level.