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A Distribution of Zakah to Al-Riqab: Critical Analysis of Fatwa and Views of Mufassir

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This paper attempts to discuss the distribution based on the concept of asnaf al-Riqab. This paper is also performed to see the definition of al-Riqab based on the interpretation of contemporary or classical mufassir. This is because asnaf al-Riqab is among the asnaf which often became the debate of the scholars because of the ambiguity of his position. There are groups who distribute and there are also who do not distribute zakat to this asnaf. The purpose of the paperwork is divided into two. First, identify the concept of distribution of zakah to al-Riqab. Second, analyzing the views of classical and contemporary mufassir in interpreting the term al-Riqab based on verse 60, surah al-Taubah. The data in this study were collected through a document study and then analyzed using content analysis methods. The findings show that contemporary interpretations are widely used in zakat institutions in Malaysia rather than classical interpretations. Although slavery is virtually absent from the classical interpretation, contemporary mufassir views expand the distribution according to current circumstances. Classical and contemporary distribution will be a guide to distributing zakah al-Riqab.
A Distribution of Zakah to Al-Riqab: Critical Analysis of Fatwa and Views of Mufassir

Nur Anisah Nordin & Wan Mohd Khairul Firdaus Wan Khairuldin
Faculty of Islamic Contemporary Studies, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Terengganu. Malaysia
Email: wanfirdaus@unisza.edu.my

ABSTRACT
This paper attempts to discuss the distribution based on the concept of asnaf al-Riqab. This paper is also performed to see the definition of al-Riqab based on the interpretation of contemporary or classical mufassir. This is because asnaf al-Riqab is among the asnaf which often became the debate of the scholars because of the ambiguity of his position. There are groups who distribute and there are also who do not distribute zakat to this asnaf. The purpose of the paperwork is divided into two. First, identify the concept of distribution of zakah to al-Riqab. Second, analyzing the views of classical and contemporary mufassir in interpreting the term al-Riqab based on verse 60, surah al-Taubah. The data in this study were collected through a document study and then analyzed using content analysis methods. The findings show that contemporary interpretations are widely used in zakat institutions in Malaysia rather than classical interpretations. Although slavery is virtually absent from the classical interpretation, contemporary mufassir views expand the distribution according to current circumstances. Classical and contemporary distribution will be a guide to distributing zakah al-Riqab.
Keywords: Fatwa, Distribution, Al-Riqab, Mufassir.

INTRODUCTION
In surah al-Taubah, verse 60, Allah SWT placed the rank of asnaf al-Riqab in fifth position. This order is based on asnaf entitled to receive zakat starting with faqir, poor, amil, mualaf, al-Riqab, al-Gharimin, fi sabilillah and ibn al-sabil. According to IbnKathir (1999: 150/2), the distribution of zakat should be given to eight groups as set out in surah al-Taubah, verse 60.


The Arabs in the jahiliyyah era made the slave a merchandise or exchange for a dowry or gift for their offspring ( Nasution, 2015: 97). However, the presence of Islam has wiped out the system of slavery created during the jahiliyyah period. According to Sabiq (2003: 132), al-Riqab, if viewed in terms of general definition, means 'makatab' which is the servant who has been redeemed or purchased to be freed from his master gradually.


According to Ridha (1999: 598), al-Riqab is one of the groups who want to escape from slavery or occupation and fight for independence. Furthermore, al-Qaradawi (2011: 416) argues that al-Riqab is a bonded servant or bondage that binds one's liberty. Based on observations, there are differences in the definition of al-Riqab among scholars'. However, this distinction is not significant, which is still meaningful to slave or liberation.

Thus, the issue of distribution of zakat to al-Riqab is nowadays. This is due to the inconsistency of zakat institutions in Malaysia. Therefore, a systematic study should be carried out to see the definition of asnaf al-Riqab based on the views of the mufassir. As such, this paper attempts at least to explain in general the distribution of zakat to Bibliography based on the critical analysis of the views of the taxpayer based on their definitions.

METHODOLOGY
This study uses a method of documentation to obtain a clear overview of asnaf al-Riqab and the method of distribution of zakat to al-Riqab based on the critical analysis of the views of the mufassir. To obtain information related to the concept of al-Riqab, the definition of asnaf al-Riqab is taken on the basis of classical and contemporary mufassir views and interpret the 'fi' and 'lam' word based on the surah al-Taubah to be examined.

According to Jasmi (2012), this document analysis method is used to obtain clear information in understanding the concepts, issues and problems of a phenomenon occurring. Subsequently, the result of the data collection will be analyzed using the cont
In-Text Citation: (Nordin & Khairuldin, 2018)
To Cite this Article: Nordin, N. A., & Khairuldin, W. M. K. F. W. (2018). A Distribution of Zakah to Al-Riqab: Critical Analysis of Fatwa and Views of Mufassir. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 8(11), 958–964.