LISTENING FROM THE BOTTOM A QUALITATIVE APPROACH EXAMINING ZAKAT RECIPIENTS’ VOICES

Abstract

Existing zakat research, reports little information about the living conditions
of Indonesian zakat recipients. This study examined the perceptions of zakat
recipients at Rumah Zakat, a charitable institution, in Yogyakarta. Semi-
structured interviews solicited seven economic empowerment program respondents’
narratives. This data collection method incorporating a phenomenological
approach to data analysis revealed that respondents with more education and
spousal support could better subsist after utilizing Rumah Zakat’s interest-free
loans, and compared to individual efforts or group support, spousal support helped
significantly with business growth. These respondents typically earned incomes
above the national standard of poverty. As their businesses grew, four respondents
planned to employ the jobless. Respondents benefiting from the program reported
significant impact on their home economies and social lives.