Islamic social financing and efficient zakat distribution: impact of fintech adoption among the asnaf in Malaysia

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact factors towards the use of mobile banking among the asnaf for efficient zakat payments by using the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2) model with additional constructs such as religiosity, attitude and trust (initial trust model) in the Malaysian context. Design/methodology/approach The structural equation modelling is used to analyse the data collected from 470 asnaf in Selangor, Malaysia, using the survey methodology. Findings This study highlights factors that could influence the asnaf to adopt financial technology (fintech) in order for them to enjoy the benefit of efficient zakat distribution by the zakat institutions. Research limitations/implications This study only investigates and contributes added value from the Malaysian context. While it may be similar to other countries that share similar demographic profiles, it might differ for countries that do not have any demographic similarities with Malaysia. Practical implications The result of this study highlights the significant factor that practitioners (zakat institutions) in Malaysia could improve fintech adoption and at the same time enhance the efficiency of zakat distribution for the asnaf. Social implications This research is basically addressing Islamic social financing. Thus, this study has social implications to address the society's poverty eradication scheme pertaining to the efficiency of zakat institutions in Malaysia for the speedier zakat payments to the asnaf. However, other emerging issues also arise particularly in using the zakat funds by the zakat institutions. By right whatever expenditure that the institutions use from the zakat funds need to have the consent from the asnaf because of their religious and legal rights. Hence, this new gap found from the findings of this study could be further explored by other researchers in future studies especially focusing on the drive towards more efficient administration by the zakat institutions of Malaysia in particular and other zakat institutions spread over Muslim countries elsewhere. Originality/value This study found that the UTAUT2 model is rarely used and adopted in investigating technology acceptance and adoption especially when it is related to religious matters such as zakat. Indeed, the findings of this study could be acknowledged as something of original value and significance, therefore contributes to the body of knowledge in this field.