Institutionalization of Baituzzakāt in Cotabato City: Problems and Prospects

The study sought to investigate the institutionalization of Baituzzakat in Cotabato city, its history, organizational structure, policies and procedures in collection and prospects and policy measures can be drawn from the study. The study adopted the qualitative method of research. This is to elucidate the data gathered through narrative description of each of the tables that served as indicatives. Accordingly, this method uses primarily data from in-depth interviews and other qualitative data to identify and describe the underlying themes of the experience of the phenomenon. Data analysis yielded the following findings: l.) The respondents’ respective occupation is composed of self-employed which got the largest frequency, followed by private employee and government employee. The age of respondent’s ranges from 20 to 65 years old with age groups 20-25, 36-40, 41-45 and 60-65 each got the highest frequency of 7. As of the respondents’ gender, males got the higher frequency of 43 over females. 2.) Majority of the respondents observed that collecting and distributing by the Baituzzakāt in Cotabato City is very satisfactory. Collection is preached in the community through sermons in the mosque during Friday congregational prayer, symposia, radio programs and other means of dissemination. 3.) The respondents’ observation on the regular acceptance of the recipients of zakāt decided satisfactory over very satisfactory and excellent. 4.) Majority of the respondents in policies and procedures in collection and distribution of zakāt specifically in questions (1) force collection of zakāt and (2) implement disciplinary actions to non-giver of zakāt decided strong disagree and agree respectively. Thus, regular acceptance of the beneficiaries will be greatly affected. 5.) Majority of the respondents in mandates of Baituzzakāt highly revealed agree. 6.) The main problems encountered by Baituzzakāt in its operation are negligence on the part of the giver and ignorance on the concept of institutionalization of zakāt. Despite exerting all its efforts in disseminating zakāt as part of the pillar of Islam and is obligatory upon Muslims, many of our Muslim brothers and sisters ignorantly, negligently, and irresponsibly follow the teachings of Islam. 7.) Since negligence on payment and ignorance on the concept of institutionalization are the main problems, we then can draw policies regarding the collection by coordination of Baituzzakāt to the land leaders and owner of business establishments owned by Muslims to directly deduct the zakāt before releasing their salary to ensure that their religious obligation be observed. In conclusion, the institutionalization of Baituzzakat in Cotabato City is proven Islamic and strictly following the teaching of the Qur’an and following the tradition and patterns implemented by Prophet Mohammad and his companions. It is obviously Islamic because people involved in institutionalization of Batuzzakat are the Ulama (Muslim Scholars), righteous men who finished their degrees in Islamic universities in the Middle East. However, there are also some shortcomings by this institution, particularly in the collection, sharing system and inefficiency and in competence of collectors which should be addressed in order to improve the effectivity of the institution and increase its benefits to the masses. Based on the findings, the researcher recommends the following: 1.) In the distribution value of Zakat, the 4/8 or 50% of the total amount of collection goes to food maintenance, central offices, operational expenses and contingency. In order to make the distribution more balance, the Baituzzakat should review the share distribution scheme by increasing the share percentage intended for other recipients of Zakat such as the poor and the needy. A more equitable distribution will encourage more people to give Zakat. 2.) The Baituzzakat should train collectors on the basics of accounting and bookkeeping to enssure the proper management and safety of the Zakat fund. Through this training, the collectors will become more competent in executing their tasks and responsibilities. 3.) The Baituzzakat should also conduct seminars, symposia, and trainings in different Muslim communities in Cotabato City, targeting the masses in order to strengthen awareness on the importance of Zakat in an institutionalized manner. This will be the most effective means of getting sympathy and support from the masses so as to enhance collection and give positive results of the Zakat institutionalization. 4.) To make the Baituzzakat become more credible and for it to gain the trust and confidence of the Muslims, transparency should prevail in all transactions from collection to disbursement. One of the means is to publish the yearly accomplishments, specilically on the total amount of Zakat collections, total number of people who received Zakat and other developments made by the Baituzzakat supported by hard evidences. This can be done by print information such as brochures, booklets, newsletters and other documentation materials, by radio announcement and by khutba in the Mosques. 5.) Baituzzakat should invest in setting up some business concern which will provide stable employment for the poor so they will in turn become Zakat givers. 6.) It is advised to study and review further the practice of Zakat based on the Qur’an injunctions and the tradition of Prophet Muhammad so that Zakat or the amount of Zakat received will be rewarded by Allah. In short, traditional giving and or receiving of Zakat should be stopped. The Islamic practices of Zakat as implemented by the Baituzzakat be promoted and supported. 7.) It is also equally important that upon knowing the fact that Zakat must be practiced based on the teaching of Islam, it is imperative for everyone to recognize and support the said institution. This is the proper and correct practicing of Zakat and a Muslim must abide with this, otherwise, one will commit sin after knowing the truth about Zakat and its practices. 8.) For Muslim professionals, academicians, businessmen and other sectors who have earned Zakatable (Nisab) wealth and properties; the researcher strongly recommends that these sectors set good examples in observing the proper giving of Zakat through the Baituzzakat. Furthermore, paying Zakat is obligatory for all Muslims who possessed wealth and properties. Muslim should fear for the wrath of Allah and the punishment for the Zakat evasion. 9.) Since the organization of Baituzzakat has been proven Islamic in its implementation of Zakat and made significant effects, the Bangsamoro Muslims should think and act whatever available efforts that contribute to the success of the said institution. May Allah reward the good deeds (i.e. proper observance of Zakat etc.) and have good pleasures to all righteous Muslims.