EXPLORING UNDERSTANDING OF PADDY ZAKAT AMONG FARMERS IN SABAK BERNAM, SELANGOR

Abstract

Paddy cultivation is among the major agricultural sectors in Malaysia. As paddy is commercially produced, it is subjected to zakat, an obligation for the producer to donate certain proportion of wealth. A form of worship, zakat also contributes towards the economic development of Muslims in Malaysia. With this background, this study focuses on exploring the understanding of paddy zakat among farmers in Sabak Bernam, one of the biggest rice producing areas in Malaysia. This study uses qualitative method in which farmers who cultivate paddy in this district will be interviewed to gauge their level of understanding of paddy zakat. In addition, this study also intends to explore views of the farmers regarding zakat institution and how to improve management of paddy zakat collection. The research is expected to gauge the level of understanding of paddy zakat among the farmers in Sabak Bernam and recommend improvements for zakat institution in Selangor in managing paddy zakat collection.