An appraisal of localization of ZakᾹt disbursement in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

One of the principles that make Zakᾱt effective is to concentrate its disbursement on the potential beneficiaries located in its area of  collection. This principle known as localization, is clearly enshrined in the sharῑ‟ah through the tradition of Prophet Muhammad and  demonstrated by his rightly-guided successors. Despite this fact, not many research works have focused on this subject matter in this  part of the world. This study aims at investigating the position of localization of Zakᾱt in the sharῑ‟ah. It examines the disposition of Zakᾱt administrators in Lagos State to its application to determine how it aids effectiveness of Zakᾱt. Descriptive and historical designs were  adopted. Regarding several instances cited from Islamic history, it was found that localization of Zakᾱt disbursement is being applied by  Zakᾱt administrators in Lagos State within the prevailing circumstances. The result implies that Zakᾱt administrators in Lagos State  should continue to prioritise to the localization of Zakᾱt disbursement to enhance effective poverty alleviation.