Urban Zakat Goes Digital: Unlocking Ease for City Dwellers

Abstract

Digital transformation in the Islamic philanthropic sector has brought significant changes to muzaki behaviour, especially in urban areas with high levels of technology utilisation. Urban communities dominate the use of digital technology access in all their activities. This study aims to analyse the ease with which muzaki fulfil zakat obligations through a digital platform in urban areas. The study employed a qualitative method with a literature review approach, drawing on scientific articles, zakat institution reports, and publications on Sharia fintech from 2018 to 2025 in SINTA indexing, using the PRISMA framework. The results of the analysis show that zakat digitisation provides three primary forms of convenience for urban muzaki: (1) high accessibility through integrated applications and websites, (2) time efficiency and transaction transparency, and (3) increased trust thanks to real-time reporting systems and management certifications. Theoretical implications extend TAM/UTAUT in Islamic fintech contexts. In practice, institutions should scale multi-platform solutions that support QR payments. Digitalisation has the potential to expand muzaki participation while strengthening the national zakat system towards an inclusive, efficient, and sustainable system in the digital economy era. Further research should compare rural-urban gaps, track the impacts of disbursements, and test the effects of gamification on donation frequency.