Empowering Muslim Women Through Zakat Fitrah: A Case Study of Southern Thailand

Abstract

This study aims to explore how Zakat Fitrah contributes to empowering women and strengthening community resilience in Southern Thailand. The study was conducted using a qualitative case study approach through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. The study reveals that Zakat Fitrah is not only a religious duty for Muslim women in Southern Thailand but also a significant tool for promoting community unity, social equity, and women’s empowerment, especially among marginalized groups. The study is limited by its small sample size of only three participants, which calls for further research with a larger and more diverse group to gain a deeper understanding of Zakat Fitrah’s impact on women across various contexts. The findings suggest that integrating women more actively in the administration and distribution of Zakat Fitrah could improve both their empowerment and the overall efficiency of zakat practices within Muslim communities. This research underscores the potential of Zakat Fitrah to foster greater gender equality, social solidarity, and community resilience, particularly in marginalized Muslim communities in Southern Thailand. This study offers a unique perspective by showing how women in Southern Thailand perceive Zakat Fitrah as an action to support and empower their community, which is still rarely discussed in existing studies.