Purpose The purpose of this study is to look at Zakat management and the crisis of confidence in the ability of the state and zakat agencies to dispense zakat to the rightful beneficiaries as mentioned in the Quran. Confidence is a very important element between the payers and collectors of zakat and when this is lost, it affects the willingness of the payers to give zakat to the zakat collectors (state or zakat agency). This crisis of confidence led to the need to look at the legality of the payer giving zakat directly to the beneficiaries and whether this is a sin as argued in certain quarters. Design/methodology/approach Using the qualitative method by using historical, analytical and critical tools, the research examines the concept of proximity in the distribution of zakat and based on this argues that giving zakat directly to the beneficiaries is a viable option when there is a crisis of confidence between the payer and the state or zakat agency. Findings Through the analysis of the opinions of scholars, the research affirms that scholars are divided on whether to pay zakat to the state or give it directly to the beneficiaries. Based on this, the research concludes that although the ideal is to give zakat to the state or zakat agency, but there is no sin in giving zakat directly to the beneficiaries especially where there is a problem of confidence in the state and/or zakat agency. Research limitations/implications The research discussed the legality of giving zakat to the recipients of zakat directly using the historical, analytical and critical tools. This shows that the research is qualitative in nature and is library based therefore limited in scope. Basically, this research is concerned with refuting the claim that it is a sin for zakat payers to give zakat directly to the recipients especially when there is a problem of trust in zakat agencies and a crisis of confidence in the ability of these agencies to do what is right with the zakat funds. This leaves room for further research on the issue. Practical implications It is important to create confidence in zakat agencies' collection and distribution of zakat so that it will encourage more Muslims to pay their zakat and allow it to reach as many people as possible. Encouraging the creation of a vetting organization by Muslim professional accountants and others that can help in making zakat agencies transparent and trustworthy. Social implications It emphasizes the importance of trust and confidence that institutions must project for the people to do business with them. Originality/value The research contributes to the body of knowledge on zakat collection and distribution. It shows the importance of trust and confidence in zakat management and recommended ways in which trust and confidence could be built in the effective collection and distribution of zakat.

Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam hence it is attracting a lot of scholarly attention. However, most of the existing literature on Zakat are concentrated in Islamic countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and others. There are also some researches in some advanced non-Islamic countries such as the USA and UK. In these countries, though the government does not operate Islamic laws, there are organized NGOs that take care of Islamic affairs including Zakat. However, there are many parts of the world where Muslims live under non-Islamic government and are not assisted by NGOs. In those areas, Muslims live and perform their religious obligations without any form of institutional support. There are limited number of research relating to Zakat in those areas. This study seeks to fill this gap by investigating the determinants of Zakat compliance in Kogi State of Nigeria. The study was conducted through qualitative interviews. Findings show that, the absence of governmental or institutional support results in ignorance, lack of organization and attitudinal problems. Recommendations were offered to assist Muslims in such areas. Keywords: Zakat compliance, Muslims in non-Islamic areas, Institutional support for Zakat

This research discusses the issue of LGBT in the Malaysian society by sharing the experience of a former practitioner of the sexual orientation described generally as LGBT. Using the qualitative method of interview and textual analysis of the interview, the research ask the question of whether this sexual orientation is a natural phenomenon or an ideology propagated by certain quarters as is the practice in the contemporary time. The findings of the research through the interaction with the former practitioner of this sexual orientation show that the issue is a double edge sword which requires caution and understanding from the larger society. However, the research shows that it is not something that is insurmountable as is being portrayed in certain quarters.

This paper looks at the rise of strongman rule around the world and in Africa in particular and shows how this is affecting democracy and democratic institutions. The paper explains the implication of strongman rule on democracy by showcasing its rise in different parts of the world in the contemporary time exacerbated by the tenure of the former president of the United States, Donald Trump. Using the qualitative method of text analysis, it examines what has been said by leaders of goodwill and scholars on the need to protect democracy from the onslaught of strongman rule. It talks about the takeover of the democratic space and digital media space by agents of the strongmen and advocated for a quick response in order to save democracy and democratic institutions. Finally, it calls for the adoption of the ethical practices of professional bodies in Africa in reforming democracy in the continent.

Abstract-Science has made many positive contributions and, at times, negative ones to the world's population. The discovery of scientists enables humans to produce new civilizations that are drastically different from the previous ones. At the contemporary time, the key actor of this difference in civilization is the internet. The Internet has narrowed distances, shorten time and create a universe that seems like a small village. This phenomenon has created a situation in which questions about the relationship between science, social justice and social well-being has come to the fore and is, thus, the focal point of this article. This paper discusses the relationship between science, social justice and social well-being. It posits that social justice has a very close relationship with the rule of religion, the state and power. Religion actually advocates justice. However, religion is also often used by various parties, including those who are in power to legalize misbehavior and injustice towards subordinates and others who are different from them. The paper posits that some dimensions of social justice, such as dignity, equality, brotherhood, well-being, freedom and welfare could help position science for the good of humanity. In conclusion, the paper posits that science and technology when properly harnessed following the outlined dimension could be a tool for social justice and welfare