Reforming the Interpretation of Asnaf al-Riqab: An Analysis of Qiyas, Maqasid al-Shariah and Application in Malaysian Zakat Institutions

The zakat institution functions as both a financial act of worship (ibadah maliyyah) and a mechanism for wealth redistribution to achieve social justice. The eligibility of asnaf al-riqab (those under bondage) to receive zakat has sparked debate in the contemporary context, as the abolition of slavery raises questions about the relevance and implementation of zakat distribution for this category, resulting in diverse interpretations among Malaysian states. This article examines the linguistic and jurisprudential foundations of the al-riqab concept, evaluates the justification for expanding its meaning based on qiyas (analogical reasoning) and maqasid al-shariah (objectives of Islamic law), and analyzes the application of these interpretations in zakat administration across Malaysian states. The study identifies three main interpretative patterns: traditional, intermediate, and broad contemporary, each influenced by the legal approach and administrative structure of zakat in respective states. The analysis shows that broader interpretations, such as those practiced in Selangor and Johor, reflect courageous ijtihad grounded in maqasid, yet require thorough scrutiny of the validity of the underlying 'illah (effective cause) of "bondage" through tahqiq al-manat, to prevent misuse of zakat funds. This article asserts that the expansion of al-riqab's meaning is legally valid when based on sound qiyas, well-defined (mundhabit), and anchored in maqasid al-shariah.