Tafsir Sabilillah Nahdlatul Ulama dan Implikasinya Terhadap Pendayagunaan Zakat

The Interpretation of Sabilillah Nahdlatul Ulama and Its Implications for the Utilisation of Zakat

Abstract

As the largest Islamic organization in Indonesia, the influence of NU’s religious opinion is often a reference and dominates the discourse space. The interpretation of sabilillah, in the context of zakat management, has been one of the topics debate since the middle age and even today. Amids various criticisms, NU is consistent with its view that follows the majority of the four sunni schools of thought (mazhab), that sabilillah means fighting in the way of Allah, in contrast to modernist who interpret sabilillah as sabil al-khair (public welfare). This study brings us to the implication of this interpretation on innovation: is NU able, with a narrow interpretation, to carry out the utilization of zakat optimally, in order to—carry out the mandate of law (UU 23/ 2011)—alleviate proverty and improve welfae? This study found that, despite being supported by various fatwas that strengthe narrow interpretation through various Muktamar and Munas Alim Ulama, in practice NU Care-LAZISNU continues to channel its zakat to asnaf sabilillah even though there is no longer war in the name of religion. In fact, in its organizational regulations, NU Care-LAZISNU interprets sabillah as da’wah and propagation of Islam ahlussunnah wal jamaah.