Abstract
The unexpected and unprecedented covid-19 lockdown had a profound and significant impact on the traditional methods and practices employed by Islamic Charitable Organizations (ICOs) in Zimbabwe for the collection and distribution of Zakat. This research study examines the various strategies and adaptations these ICOs implemented to navigate and overcome the challenges presented by the lockdown. Furthermore, the study shows that these strategies and adaptations to the lockdown can also be read as responses to the challenges related to traditional ways of collecting and distributing Zakat. The research uses the "developmental ethics" framework articulated by Taylor (2020) as a discussion partner. The study emphasizes Zakat's transformative potential to enhance the work done by ICOs. Not only does the ICOs’ work improve the quality of life but also strengthens the relationships between all individuals involved in these charity practice.
A cornerstone of this investigation is the crucial role of trust, transparency, and accountability in the Zakat distribution process. These principles not only foster stakeholders’ trust but also ensure responsible and ethical allocation of resources. By dissecting how these principles were either upheld or compromised during the lockdown of covid-19, the study pursued how social media platforms were used to uphold these ethical principles. The utilization of social media platforms emerged as a pivotal innovation, enabling ICOs to adapt to social distancing and other lockdown-related restrictions. Additionally, the research highlights the potential of Waqf (endowment) for creating a sustainable model for Zakat distribution that is ethically sound and effectively managed, especially in times of crises like the lockdown of covid-19, if it is informed by the three ethical principles of trust, accountability, and transparency.
The aim of this study was to develop a context-specific developmental ethics framework that is deeply rooted in the real-world experiences of collection and distribution of Zakat by ICOs during the lockdown of Covid-19 in Zimbabwe. The study has shown that a framework of developmental ethics that is most relevant to the context of Zimbabwe should be grounded on practices that prioritize the relationships between all individuals involved in charity practices, such as donors, ICOs and beneficiaries. The study shows that healthy relationships follow ethical practices of charity and communication. Such ethical practices are an important element that could strengthen the relationships between all parties involved in charity work. This framework could guide future
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Zakat distribution efforts in a manner that ensures both ethical integrity and tangible upliftment of those in need, thus responding to Zimbabwe’s unique socio-economic challenges.
This research employed qualitative methods, specifically semi-structured interviews, to glean insights from a sample of twenty-four participants representing eight different ICOs directly involved in Zakat collection and distribution during the lockdown. These interviews were conducted to understand nuanced experiences and adaptive strategies used during the lockdown of Covid-19. A thematic analysis of the collected data was conducted to draw meaningful patterns and conclusions. This research examined how Islamic Charitable Organizations (ICOs) in Zimbabwe used social media and waqf to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. By integrating Zakat with sustainable waqf models, ICOs effectively addressed community needs. Social platforms facilitated fund mobilization, transparency, and project updates. The study underscores the importance of aligning charitable practices with developmental ethics to ensure long-term impact.