Behavioral Dimensions of Islamic Philanthropy: The Case of Zakat

This chapter examines the behavioral aspects of individual Islamic donors in their practice of zakat, a specific religious contribution. It aims to provide a fundamental understanding of the factors influencing their giving behavior, including triggers, motivators, traits, attributes, and preferences. The study uses hierarchical cluster analysis to develop psychographic profiles of these donors, highlighting the diversity among them. It emphasizes the need to consider this diversity when developing principles, regulatory standards, institutional infrastructure, and governance models for the Islamic social finance sector, particularly concerning zakat. The research contributes to optimizing zakat management for community welfare.