Cultural Aspirations and Zakat Practices: An Ethnographic Comparison of Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama in Indonesia

Abstract

Academics rarely investigate the cultural aspects of zakat payment behaviour in a living context. Indonesia, a populous Islamic country with numerous civil society organisations, presents a compelling case for examining social cohesion. Given this potential novelty, the study focuses on the distinct approaches of the two largest Islamic organisations, Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama. The article aims to understand the zakat-payment behaviour styles of these two socially grounded organisations. To undertake such aims, the paper uses a specific ethnographic case study in East Java, Indonesia. The regional location is chosen because of the central movements of both organisational programs and their significance to the largest membership population. The finding has identified prominent facts about the cultural aspirations being admitted, including the characteristics of 'gotong royong' (mutual assistance) and 'sungkan', a local expression. Moreover, the study has also uncovered categories of gotong royong, which comprise institutionalised and flexible forms. These mannerisms are characterised by Muzakki's loyalty and initiative. In tangible, intensive terms, a particular Muzakki from Muhammadiyah is more motivated to contribute a zakat via a formal hierarchical command from the top leadership of the organisation. Meanwhile, the distinct Muzakki of Nahdlatul Ulama relies on the persuasive approaches of influential individuals like the respected Islamic scholars, public officials, and reputable businessmen. Furthermore, the similarity between the two has demonstrated the existence of institutionalised practice in gotong royong, the sungkan culture, direct engagement, trust in official Amil institutions, the fiqh perspective, and family-based socialisation.