ABSTRACT

Related to the implementation of zakat payments in Indonesia, there appears to be a very wide gap; where the majority of Indonesian people are Muslims with very big potential of zakat funds, but in reality the national funds collected through zakat is still far from expectation. These conditions are believed to be associated with lower public understanding of Zakat, and it can result in a lack of public awareness of paying zakat. This study aims to explore the understanding and awareness of paying zakat. People who understand the Sharia of zakat, and he is a believer, would certainly have to pay zakat if he has reached the required provisions. Those who believe and knowledgeable surely will come to realize to pay zakat. Knowledge is the guidance for deeds, and the believers will pay zakat as guided by knowledge he believed in. The study showed that: (i) Awareness of paying zakat (as part of the faith and piety) is affected by understanding (knowledge) of the Sharia of zakat. (ii) Understanding (knowledge) of zakat is affected by learning through reciting and understanding al-Quran, reading Islamic books and attending Islamic studies. Moreover, the learning process improves understanding about zakat.

Keywords: Zakat, understanding, awareness