Fostering Sustainable Development: Empowering Communities through Education, Zakat Innovation, and Social Assistance Strategies

Abstract

The rapid pace of global development necessitates sustainable strategies to achieve equitable benefits. Governments implement programs to address poverty and improve welfare, with social assistance as a key intervention to provide immediate relief and mitigate economic hardship. Although their long-term effectiveness in significantly reducing poverty is uncertain, they are crucial to the short-term survival of impoverished communities. Zakat, an Islamic philanthropic mechanism, rooted in social justice and economic redistribution, mandates wealth redistribution among eligible Muslims to support marginalized groups. Effective management of zakat resources can empower beneficiaries and improve their socioeconomic conditions. Both zakat and social assistance aim to enhance the welfare of impoverished populations and synergistically contribute to poverty reduction. The empirical findings suggest that integrating social assistance, zakat, and technological innovations offers a sustainable poverty alleviation framework. Emerging technologies enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability in resource allocation, improving program reach and effectiveness. Leveraging digital platforms and data-driven innovations aligns social assistance and zakat with development goals, creating a more substantial impact. The convergence of social assistance and zakat, supported by technological advancements, presents a comprehensive poverty alleviation strategy that promotes sustainable development, and long-term social and economic equity