Exploring the Spiritual, Ethical, and Technological Dimensions of Digital Zakat Practices Among Muslim MSME Actors
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Abstract
Zakat, as a central pillar in Islamic economics, has evolved through digitalization, shaping new forms of religious giving and ethical engagement in Muslim communities. While previous research has focused on the functionality and adoption of digital zakat platforms, little is known about how users experience this transformation spiritually and emotionally. This study addresses that gap by asking: How do Muslim micro and small business actors experience the practice of zakat through digital platforms? Using a descriptive phenomenological approach, this study explores the subjective meanings embedded in digital zakat practices among Muslim MSME actors. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with twelve participants and analyzed thematically through eidetic reduction and meaning-unit clustering. The findings reveal that digital zakat is perceived not merely as a financial act, but as a ritual of spiritual proximity, ethical responsibility, and emotional trust shaped by technology yet rooted in religious values. Participants described the practice as spiritually fulfilling, socially grounding, and morally reaffirming in times of crisis. These results underscore the importance of user-centered, value-based design in Islamic financial technology. The study offers new insights into the intersection of faith, technology, and economy, and encourages future research to examine the evolving spiritual narratives behind digital religious practices. However, this study is limited by its small sample size and focus on a single socio-cultural context, which may not fully capture the diversity of digital zakat experiences across different regions. Future research should involve larger and more diverse participant groups, employ mixed-methods approaches, and explore comparative perspectives to deepen understanding of how technological mediation shapes religious giving in varying contexts.
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