Abstract:
This article aims to analyze the shift in the orientation of Nahdlatul
Ulama’s (NU) fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) tradition in managing zakat in
Indonesia. The shift occurs in the zakat fund management institution through the
Lembaga Amil Zakat Nahdlatul Ulama (LAZISNU) and their fiqh understanding
of zakat recipients (mustaḥiq). The article also explores the forms of involvement of
the NU’s structural and cultural members, known as Nahdliyin, in their efforts to
improve social welfare. As an Islamic philanthropy institution, LAZISNU
strategically synergizes with social welfare issues for its community. Despite being
the most prominent Islamic community organization in Indonesia and globally,
most Nahdliyin fall into the lower to middle-income category. The article employs
a qualitative research approach with a descriptive-argumentative methodology,
utilizing Harry J. Benda’s theory of change and sustainability as an analytical tool.
The findings reveal a shift in the Nahdliyin zakat management fiqh tradition in
three aspects: zakat fund collection through LAZISNU, the broadening of the
meaning of fī sabīlillāh (on the path of God), and the differentiation between zakat
collectors (‘āmil) and zakat committees. This shift is attributed to changes in the
method of NU legal opinion (fatwā) determination from the qawlī to the manhaji. To
enhance the social welfare of Nahdliyin, NU consistently participates actively
through its Islamic philanthropic actions by modernizing zakat management
adapted from technological advancements.
