The Role of Motivation, Commitment and Awareness in Zakat Payment Intention: Evidence From Employees of Private Higher Learning Institutions in Northern Malaysia

This study examines the gap between awareness and actual zakat payment among Muslim employees in private universities and colleges in Kedah, Malaysia. Despite recognizing zakat as a religious obligation, many do not fulfil it due to misunderstandings about calculation methods, misconceptions regarding its benefits, and practical challenges in the payment process. The study aims to assess the influence of motivation, commitment, and awareness on zakat payment intention. Data were collected through a snowball sampling technique, yielding 147 valid responses from academic and administrative staff in private higher education institutions. The data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Motivation significantly influences both awareness and intention to pay zakat, while commitment affects only awareness. Awareness fully mediates the relationship between commitment and intention and partially mediates the relationship between motivation and intention. This study highlights the critical role of awareness in translating knowledge into zakat-paying behavior. It also underscores that while motivation is essential for fostering intention, commitment alone is insufficient without adequate awareness. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers and institutional leaders to design targeted strategies that enhance zakat compliance among employees in the higher education sector.