Synopsis:

This book examines the role of zakat in enhancing the welfare of fishermen and coastal communities. As of 2022, Indonesia's fishing sector comprised approximately 3.03 million fishermen, yet this sector continues to face multiple challenges, including unstable income and dependence on interest-based loans. The study reveals that 60% of fishermen still rely on interest-bearing loans for business capital, exacerbating their economic vulnerability.

Zakat, as an Islamic social financial instrument, presents a viable solution by offering Sharia-based financing schemes to improve the livelihoods of fishermen. Research findings indicate that Islamic social finance institutions’ products and services significantly influence fishermen's welfare, contributing approximately 50.9%. Additionally, zakat literacy emerges as a crucial factor in encouraging the utilization of zakat for both business capital and daily necessities.

This study underscores that the integration of zakat and fishermen’s empowerment can serve as an effective strategy for poverty alleviation in coastal areas. Furthermore, it reinforces the strategic role of BAZNAS as an Islamic social institution contributing to the broader welfare of the community.

Zakat in the Fisheries Sector as an Alternative Solution for Poverty Alleviation Among Fishermen and Coastal Communities