Zakat Open Courseware: A Digital Dakwah Approach to Zakat

Abstract

This article examines Zakat Open Courseware (ZOC) as a digital dakwah initiative aimed at improving zakat education through structured, accessible online learning. As digital platforms become central to religious communication, many existing resources lack consistency, authenticity, and quality control. Using references from concept papers, journals, and books, this study highlights the need for preachers (da’i) to develop strong digital competencies to deliver accurate, engaging, and credible content. In the realm of zakat, digital tools such as mobile apps and online portals have made calculation, payment, and education more efficient and widely accessible. These tools strengthen zakat’s role in Islamic social finance, yet concerns remain regarding governance, content standardisation, and institutional trust. Similarly, Open Courseware offers flexible access to Islamic education, particularly for underserved communities, but faces issues including inconsistent curricula, limited digital infrastructure, and a shortage of qualified instructors. The findings suggest that ZOC has the potential to enhance public understanding and compliance by providing context-sensitive, interactive, and reliable educational materials. However, to realise this potential, collaboration among scholars, educators, policymakers, and tech experts is necessary to ensure the quality and credibility of digital Islamic education. This article argues that embracing digital solutions like ZOC is essential to adapt zakat education and dakwah to contemporary needs while safeguarding the integrity of Islamic teachings.