Digital Divide in Zakat: A Comparative Study of E‑Zakat Systems, Trust, and Socio‑Economic Resilience in Malaysia and Indonesia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66277/jsm.1.1.314Keywords:
e zakat adoption; , digital infrastructure; , socio cultural moderation; , Malaysia and Indonesia;, public trust.Abstract
Digital zakat in Muslim majority countries promises efficiency and transparency, yet adoption success varies greatly, especially between Malaysia and Indonesia. This study aims to analyse differences in digital infrastructure readiness, public trust, and socio cultural moderation of e zakat adoption and socio economic resilience in both countries. A comparative systematic literature review was conducted, triangulating sources from Scopus indexed journals, BAZNAS, PPZ, and MAIWP reports (2015-2025). Results show that Malaysia achieves 80.48% e zakat adoption due to mature digital infrastructure, tax zakat integration, and high public trust. In contrast, Indonesia has realised only about 12% of its potential (IDR 327 trillion), hindered by low digital literacy, distrust in formal institutions, and misalignment with local traditions and ulama authority. The findings implythat successful zakat digitalisation requires simultaneous improvement of all five diffusion of innovation attributes (relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability, observability). Policy recommendations include enhancing rural digital literacy, integrating zakat with taxation, engaging ulama, and ensuring distribution transparency through public audits and digital dashboards. Thus, technology alone is insufficient; institutional and socio cultural adaptations are essential for inclusive resilience.
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