Zakat and sadakatul-fitr: in the practice of the Muslims in Bosnia and Herzegovina

- Presentation of a part of the results of the survey -

Abstract

UDK: 28-426-3-053.7

This article presents the results of the survey carried out with regard to understanding this ibadat obligation amongst Muslims in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The survey was comprised of 54 questions on 895 respondents as a relevant number for bringing conclusions. Through the methods of analysis and the synthesis of the answers, the authors here point out the conceivable tendencies regarding the practice in this field in the future, because it is important to study perceivable social changes and take adequate steps in order to improve the management of zakat and sadakatul fitr.  On the bases of the large number of responses to the survey, it is possible to conclude that Muslims of Bosnia and Herzegovina in general, show significant confidence in the institution of the Islamic Community, as these respondents perform the obligation of the zakat in the form of the payment made to the Islamic Community as they believe that such a practice has religious foundations. The responses also show that the lack of transparency in the expenditure and the distribution of the funds collected through zakat, sadakatul fitr and fidya is the most significant drawback of the management of zakat. This article also sends a message to the Islamic Community to have more open channels of communication with zakat payers as well as with the entire jamaat. It is also suggested here that the transparency models corresponding to the subtle adab of Islamic tradition regarding communication with the category of zakat recipients should be established.