Emotional well-being and social support through zakat: A sociological and psychological approach (overview)
Keywords:
well-being, social support, emotional stress factor, zakatAbstract
This paper explores the relationship between zakat, emotional well-being, and social support through a multidisciplinary lens combining sociological and psychological perspectives. Using a qualitative, descriptive approach, the study synthesizes insights from a selection of older and recent scholarly works relevant to the topic. The analysis highlights how zakat, as an Islamic social-financial obligation, alleviates financial stress, fosters dignity among recipients, and strengthens emotional resilience. From a sociological standpoint, zakat promotes community cohesion, reduces social inequality, and reinforces mutual responsibility. Psychologically, it contributes to reduced anxiety, increased gratitude, and enhanced life satisfaction. Findings suggest that zakat functions not only as an economic instrument but also as a psychosocial intervention with long-term benefits for both individuals and communities. The study underscores the importance of integrating emotional well-being programs into zakat distribution frameworks to maximize its holistic impact.
Downloads
References
Asres Bedaso, Jon Adams, Wenbo Peng, David Sibbritt (2021), ‘The Relationship Between Social Support And Mental Health Prob les During Pregnancy: A Systematic Review And Meta Analysis’, Reproductive Health, 18, 162.
Diana Frasquilho, Margarida Gaspar M., Ferdinand Salonna, D. Guerreiro, Claudia C. Storti, Tania Gaspar, Jose M. Caldas (2016), ‘Mental Health Outcomes In Times of Economic Recession: A Systematic Literature Review’, BMC Publlc Health, Vol. 16, 115.
Evi Anninatin N. Choiriyah, Abdul Kafi, Irma Faikhotul, I. Wahyudi (2020), ‘Zakat & Poverty Alleviation in Indonesia: A Panel Analysis At Provincial Level‘, Journal Of Islamic Monetary Economics And Finance, Vol. 6, No. 4, 811-832.
Egon Dejonckheere, Joshua J. Ree, Peter K. Baguma, Oumar Berry, Maja Becker, Michal Bilewicz, Thomas Castelain, Giulio Constantini, Girts Dimdins, Agustin Espinosa, Gilian Finchilescu, Malte Friese, Maria Cecilia Gastardo-Conaco, Angel Gomez, Roberto Gonzalez, Nabuhiko Goto, Peter Halama, Camilo Hurtado, Gabriela Jigaboy, Steve Loughnan, Lindsay Novak, Alexander Vinogradov, Melanie Vauchlair, Peter Kuppens (2022), Perceiving Societal Pressure To BE Happy Is Linked To Poor Well Being, Especially in Happy Nations, Sci Rep, 12, 1514.
Huosheng Yan, Lingzhi Sang, Hongzhang Lio, Cancan Li, Zijing Wang, Ren Chen, Hong Ding, Zhi Hu, Guimei Chen (2021), ‘Mediation Role of Perceived Social Support and Burnout on Financial Satisfaction and Turnover Intention in Primary Care Providers: A Cross-Sectional Study’, BMC Health Services Research, Vol. 21, 252.
James B. Kirkbride, Deidre M. Anglin, Ian Colman, J. Dykxhoorn, Peter B. Jones, Praveetha Patalay, Alexandra Pitman, Emma Soneson, Thomas Steare, Talen Wright, Sian Lowry Griffiths (2024), ‘The Social Determinants of Mental Health And Disorder: Evidence, Prevention and Recommendation’, World Psychiatry, Vol. 23, No. 1, 58-90.
John A. Sturgeon, Anne Arewasikporn, Morris A. Kon, Mary C. Davis, Anthony D. Ong, Alex J. Zautra (2016), ‘The Psychological Context of Financial Stress: Implications For Inflammation & Psychological Health’, Vol. 78, No. 2, February, 134-143.
Julianne Holt Lunstad, Timothy B. Smith, J. Bradley Layton (2010), ‘Social Relationship & Mortality Risk: A Meta-Analytic Review’, PloS Medicine, Vol. 7, Issue 7, 1-20.
Kai Ruggeri, Eduardo G. Garzon, Aine Maguire, Sandra Matz, Felicia A. Huppert (2020), ‘Well-being is more than happiness and and life satisfaction: A Multidimensional Analysis of 21 Countries’, BMC: Health & Qualtiy Of Life Outcomes, Vol. 18, 192.
Naijie Guan, Alessandra G., Patrick Moore, Fangzhou Xu, H. Al-Janabi (2022), ‘Financial Stress & Depression in Adults: A Systematic Review’, PLoS One, Vol. 17, No. 2.
Stuckler, D., Basu, S., Suhrcke, M., Coutts, A., & McKee, M. (2009). The public health effect of economic crises and alternative policy responses in Europe: an empirical analysis. The Lancet, 374(9686), 315–323.
Soomin Ryu, Lu Fan (2022), ‘The Relationship Between Financial Worries & Psychological Distress Among U.S Adults’, J. Fam. Econ. Issues, Vol. 44, No. 1, 16-33.
Tayebeh Fasihi Harandi, Maryam M. Taghinasab, Deghan Nayeri (2017), ‘The Correlation Of Social Support with Mental Health: A Meta-Analysis’, PMC Electron Physician, Vol. 9, No. 9, 5212-5222.
Thijs Beckers, Niek Maassen, Bauke Koekkoek, Bea Tiemens & Giel Hutschemaekers (2022), ‘Can Social Support Be Improved In People With A Severe Mental Ilness? A Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis’, Springer Nature Link, Vol. 42, 14689 – 14699.
Terri Friedline, Zibei Chen, SoPhelia Morrow (2020), ‘Families Financial Stress & Well-Being: The Importance of the Economy and Economic Enviroments’, Journal of Family and Economic Issues, Vol. 42, 34-51.
Ritzer, G. (2008). Sociological theory. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Higher Education, Publishers.
Xiangdan Piao, Jun Xie & Shunsuke Managi (2024), ‘Continuous Worsening Of Population Emotional Stress Globally: Universality & Variations’, BMC Public Health, 24, 3576.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Mohamad Qamarulzaman Mohamad Zani, Azman Ab Rahman, Muhammad Azhad Al-Bohari
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
