Religiosity as factor-shaping charitable behaviors–a comprehensive review

Purpose This paper aims to analyse the effect of religiosity on charitable behaviour and classify the issues related to factors shaping Islamic charitable behaviour based on existing literature. Design/methodology/approach Based on the theoretical legitimacy framework, the author conducted a study using a mixed-method literature review, i.e. meta-analysis, to synthesise the correlation effect of religiosity on charitable behaviour and a scoping review to classify the issues on factors shaping Muslim behaviour to pay zakat, waqf, infaq and alms. A meta-analysis was applied to synthesise 16 articles, and scoping reviews were used to classify 19 additional articles. Findings Based on a meta-analysis, the study indicated that the effect of religiosity on charitable behaviours was consistently 49%. However, dummy variables for mean age, methodology quality and religiosity do not moderate the impact. In addition, the scoping review identified three categories of variables assumed to influence Islamic charitable behaviour across studies: religious, individual and demographic factors. Research limitations/implications An alternative approach to gaining a deeper understanding of charitable behaviours is required, primarily within the behavioural economics paradigm. Because of this, the assumptions of rationality underlying charitable behaviour differ from those behind other economic behaviours. Practical implications Philanthropy institutions responsible for collecting social funds from Muslims or non-Muslims must understand the value behind intentional charitable behaviours. Therefore, an intensive education program should be developed to increase awareness of charity among both Muslims and non-Muslims. Originality/value The analysis contributes to prior literature by focusing on behavioural economic methods and restructuring research on religiosity’s effect on charitable behaviours based on nudge-economic perspectives.