Discourses on Zakat and Its Implementation in Contemporary Ghana

Abstract

The chapter discusses horizontal and vertical forms of philanthropy. It focuses on the contemporary discourse on zakat as a tool for the eradication of poverty among imams and Muslim scholars in Ghana. Traditionally, various forms of horizontal informal philanthropy such as zakat and sadaqa constituted the basic form of private support within the Muslim community. Although zakat is discussed in public in the mosques, the collection and distribution of zakat remain largely a private affair. However, a new discourse emerged about two decades ago. The core idea of this discourse the utilization of zakat as an instrument for poverty eradication and the empowerment of the Muslim community by institutionalizing its collection and distribution. Several initiatives have been launched since then, resulting in vertical and institutionalized philanthropy operated by various national Muslim faith-based NGOs, the most prominent one being the Zakat and SadaqaTrust Fund of Ghana, established by the Muslim Caucus in Parliament in 2010. In addition, both the Ahlus-Sunna Wa-Jam’a and the Ghana Muslim Mission have established regional zakat funds. Nevertheless, while Muslim scholars generally are in favour of an institutionalization of zakat, the negative comments on such initiatives indicate that “ordinary” Muslims are not. Instead, it seems as if the traditional way of giving one’s zakat directly to the poor and needy is preferred.