Zakat Practice in Nothern Nigera Evolution, Religious Actors, and Challenges for Muslim Organizations

Abstract

This paper contributes to discourse on religious and social relationships in Nigeria with a focus on contemporary institutions involved in zakat administration. It highlights how zakat practices evolved, including the principles of its collection and distribution among Muslims, which has historically varied. The paper explores the involvement of two Muslim institutions in northern Nigeria that engage in zakat collection and distribution, i.e., Izala and Jamā’at Nasril Islam. The paper argues that zakat, being a religious obligation, is contested by these institutions, among others, including shariʿa states, which has increased competition for its control. It concludes by looking at the challenges of public zakat disbursement. Within this context, this article examines the perspectives of zakat beneficiaries and the impact of the various zakat bodies in society in northern Nigeria.