Empowering Asnaf Entrepreneurs in the Digital Era Through Productive Zakat: A Conceptual Framework for Sustainable Entrepreneurship
List of Authors
Fathullah Asni, Khalilullah Amin Ahmad, Nor Izham Subri, Wan Azani Mustafa
Keyword
Asnaf entrepreneurs, productive zakat, digital economy, e-commerce empowerment, Islamic social finance
Abstract
The rapid evolution of digital technology and the proliferation of e-commerce platforms have transformed the entrepreneurial landscape, presenting both opportunities and challenges for marginalized groups such as asnaf entrepreneurs. As recipients of zakat under Islamic social finance, asnaf represent a unique demographic whose integration into the digital economy requires targeted and faith-aligned interventions. This conceptual article explores the intersection of productive zakat, digitalization, and e-commerce, and proposes a multidimensional framework to support the sustainable empowerment of asnaf entrepreneurs. Drawing upon ten key research themes including digital transformation through zakat, digital literacy levels, platform effectiveness, digital business models, and barriers to adoption this study synthesizes existing literature and highlights institutional efforts by zakat bodies in Malaysia and other Muslim-majority contexts. It adopts a qualitative conceptual methodology, reviewing empirical and theoretical contributions across Islamic economics, entrepreneurship, and digital inclusion domains. The findings indicate that while various digital initiatives have emerged, challenges such as limited digital competencies, inadequate infrastructure, and fragmented training modules persist. Moreover, the lack of performance measurement tools and integration of AI-driven strategies hampers the scalability and sustainability of asnaf enterprises. This article proposes the development of a zakat-based digital entrepreneurship model, supported by tailored training, strategic platform engagement, and AI-enabled marketing analytics. The framework aims to bridge gaps between Islamic social finance principles and modern digital business practices. In conclusion, the paper calls for collaborative efforts between zakat institutions, policymakers, and academia to create evidence-based, digitally inclusive ecosystems that transform asnaf beneficiaries into resilient, self-reliant digital entrepreneurs thereby aligning social justice with economic innovation in the digital age.