Zakat has always been a main pillar in the Islamic financial system. During the time of the Prophet Muhammad SAW and the Khulafaur Rasyidin (Abu Bakar, Umar, Uthman, and Ali), zakat was strictly enforced, but after the companions, the management of zakat began to develop as the Islamic empire expanded.
The following is an overview of zakat in Islamic history after the time of the companions.
Zakat in the Umayyah Dynasty
During the Umayyad era (661–750 AD), the Islamic empire stretched from Andalusia to India. The vastness of this territory made the zakat system increasingly complex. Caliph Umar bin Abdul Aziz was known as a figure who strongly emphasized the enforcement of zakat.
He was known for his strictness in managing zakat and distributing it to the poor. In fact, there are accounts that during his time, there were almost no poor people eligible to receive zakat because the needs of the community were already sufficiently met. This shows how well-managed zakat can create prosperity.
Zakat during the Abbasid Dynasty
During the Abbasid period (750-1258 AD), Islamic governance became more advanced in terms of administration, including financial management. Zakat became part of state revenue along with kharaj (land tax) and jizyah.
In this era, zakat began to be regulated through a more structured financial institution. Baitul Mal (a kind of state treasury) acted as the center for zakat management, so that distribution was more evenly distributed. However, in some periods, due to political conflicts, zakat management was not optimal and caused social inequality.
Read also: Quranic Verses on Zakat and Their Meaning for Muslims
Zakat in the Islamic Sultan Era
In various regions, such as the Ottoman Empire, the Delhi Sultanate, and the Islamic Sultanates in the Indonesian archipelago, zakat was an official obligation managed by the state and religious institutions.
In the Ottoman Empire, zakat was used to fund public needs, build mosques and schools, and help the poor. In the archipelago, zakat collection was often managed by clerics or village heads, who then distributed it to the surrounding community.
From the historical journey after the era of the companions, it can be seen that zakat has always been an important instrument in creating social justice. When zakat was managed well, as in the era of Umar bin Abdul Aziz, the welfare of the people could be achieved. However, when zakat was neglected, social inequality widened.
To this day, zakat remains relevant as a solution to reduce poverty. Modern institutions such as Dompet Dhuafa are here to continue the spirit of the scholars and Islamic leaders of the past in managing zakat in a trustworthy manner that has an impact on society.
