An analysis of zakat payment and its ability to alleviate poverty in Iran (case study: cities in the south of West Azerbaijan province)

Abdollah Mahmoodi¹

IOI Code : XYCF-KZKCE
Publication : 2nd.International Congress on Management, Economy, Humanities and Business Development(icmba.ir)
Abstract :
    The purpose of this study is to investigate the status of Zakat and its ability to alleviate poverty in the south of West Azerbaijan province in Iran. With this purpose, a sample of 118 people from all cities in the south of the province was selected by simple random. The data collection method was a researcher-made questionnaire with 14 questions, which its face validity and reliability were confirmed by statistical methods. Correlation coefficient and chi-square tests were used to test research hypotheses. The results of the research show that the place of residence of the people, the religion of the Muslim person, the traditional or industrial production method, the occupation and property of the person, and the type of product he/she produces, do not have a significant effect on the payment of Zakat. The important factor in paying Zakat by people who are entitled to pay Zakat is their level of belief in the necessity of this religious duty, and their relationship is positive and significant. The chi-square test also showed a significant difference between the frequency of people who believe in paying Zakat and others. Also, more than 77% of Zakat last year compared to charitable institutions, relief and welfare committee, was given directly to the poor and needy people, and according to the amount paid and the people receiving Zakat, it seems that by organizing the distribution, can be effective in reducing poverty.

Keywords : the poor financial basis of zakat religious duty religion