Zakat Provisions Based on MUI Fatwa No. 83 of 2023 on the Legal Status of Zakat as an Instrument in Supporting the Palestinian People's Struggle from the Perspective of Maqasid al-Shariah

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the circumstances surrounding the issuance of the fatwa and its underlying arguments, examine the implementation of the fatwa's recommendations by MUI, and analyze the legal status of utilizing zakat as an instrument to support the Palestinian struggle from the perspective of maqasid al-shariah. This study employs a normative legal research method with a normative juridical approach, supported by field data obtained from BAZNAS and the MUI of Jambi Province. Secondary data are derived from the text of MUI Fatwa No. 83 of 2023, the Quran, hadith, books on zakat jurisprudence, and literature on maqasid al-shariah. The data are analyzed using a descriptive-analytical method and supplemented by interviews with officials of the MUI of Jambi Province. The findings indicate that MUI Fatwa No. 83 of 2023 permits and even recommends the distribution of zakat to support the Palestinian people's struggle through humanitarian channels that comply with Islamic law, with eligible recipients (mustahik) classified as the poor (fakir and miskin) and those striving in the cause of Allah (fi sabilillah). From the perspective of maqasid al-shariah, this policy aligns with the five fundamental objectives of Islamic law: the preservation of life (hifz al-nafs), religion (hifz al-din), intellect (hifz al-aql), progeny (hifz al-nasl), and wealth (hifz al-mal). The distribution of zakat to the Palestinian people represents an implementation of the public interest (maslahah ammah) and an effort to prevent harm (dar al-mafasid) resulting from the prolonged conflict.