Upaya UPZ Dalam Meningkatkan Kesadaran Zakat Pada Masyarakat Ciparay

Abstract. The awareness of zakat among the people of Ciparay remains relatively low, despite its strategic role in promoting social welfare and poverty alleviation. This condition poses a significant challenge for the Zakat Collection Unit (UPZ) of Al-Hidayah Mosque in encouraging community participation in fulfilling their zakat obligations. This study aims to explore the efforts made by UPZ Al-Hidayah Mosque to increase zakat awareness and to identify the supporting and inhibiting factors involved. Using a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews with UPZ administrators, religious leaders, and members of the community, including both zakat payers (muzakki) and recipients (mustahik). Observations and documentation of UPZ activities were also conducted. The results show that UPZ actively conducts educational and outreach programs such as regular religious gatherings, direct counseling, social media campaigns, and the distribution of informational brochures. These efforts have proven effective in enhancing public understanding and awareness of zakat. Supporting factors include strong commitment from UPZ staff, involvement of religious figures, and community support. However, challenges remain, such as limited human and financial resources and persistent misconceptions about zakat. Therefore, UPZ plays a crucial role in raising zakat awareness and requires more innovative and sustainable strategies to maximize its impact. Abstrak. Kesadaran masyarakat Ciparay dalam menunaikan zakat masih tergolong rendah, meskipun zakat memiliki peran strategis dalam mewujudkan kesejahteraan sosial dan pengentasan kemiskinan. Hal ini menjadi tantangan bagi Unit Pengumpul Zakat (UPZ) Masjid Al-Hidayah untuk meningkatkan partisipasi masyarakat dalam menunaikan zakat. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji upaya-upaya yang dilakukan UPZ Masjid Al-Hidayah dalam meningkatkan kesadaran zakat serta mengidentifikasi faktor pendukung dan hambatannya. Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan metode studi kasus, melalui wawancara mendalam, observasi, dan dokumentasi terhadap kegiatan UPZ. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa UPZ secara aktif mengadakan edukasi dan sosialisasi melalui pengajian, penyuluhan langsung, media sosial, serta distribusi brosur. Upaya ini dinilai cukup efektif dalam meningkatkan pengetahuan dan kesadaran masyarakat. Keberhasilan program didukung oleh komitmen pengurus, keterlibatan tokoh agama, serta dukungan komunitas. Namun, UPZ juga menghadapi hambatan berupa keterbatasan sumber daya manusia dan dana, serta stigma dan kesalahpahaman masyarakat terkait zakat. Dengan demikian, peran UPZ sangat penting dalam membangun kesadaran zakat, dan diperlukan strategi yang lebih inovatif dan berkelanjutan untuk meningkatkan efektivitasnya.