Reconceptualizing Maqashid al-Shariah-Based Mustahik Welfare Measurement in Productive Zakat Programs: A Literature Review

Islamic social finance is undergoing a strategic shift from consumptive distribution to productive empowerment. However, traditional socio-economic metrics rely on material indicators like income and consumption and fail to measure holistic well-being (Al-Falah). This literature review addresses these limitations by proposing an evaluative framework anchored in Maqashid al-Shariah. Synthesizing empirical data from Indonesia and Malaysia, the study elucidates the role of productive zakat in sustainable poverty alleviation and analyzes business growth as a mediator of mustahik welfare. Crucially, empirical evidence indicates that capital infusion alone fails to drive statistical business growth; rather, business assistantship—the operationalization of Hifdhun 'Aql (protection of intellect)—serves as the primary catalyst for growth and welfare. Furthermore, the review addresses the "spiritual poverty" paradox, where material advancement occurs alongside spiritual regression. By integrating the five pillars of Maqashid al-Shariah—protecting religion (ad-Din), soul (Nafs), intellect ('Aql), offspring (Nasl), and wealth (al-Mal)—the proposed framework establishes a multi-dimensional model ensuring productive zakat interventions facilitate a transformative journey from mustahik to muzakki in both temporal and eternal dimensions.