DEVELOPMENT OF MUSTAHIQ HAPPINESS INDEX FOR ZAKAT RECEIVERS

Zakat management is currently focused on improving material welfare. Therefore, it is crucial to determine ways of achieving an all-inclusive welfare related subjective wellbeing. However, there is no research has been conducted on achieving a more comprehensive well-being related to subjective happiness. This study is aimed to develop an authentic and trustworthy instrument for assessing the subjective wellbeing of zakat receivers using the applied research and development design. Data was collected through observation, focus group discussion and field assessment by distributing the instrument. The results showed that Mustahiq Happiness Index (MHI) is measured based on six indicators namely: accomplishment, engagement, meaning, pleasure, relationship and spirituality. Furthermore, the MHI test shows that mustahiq are in the 'happy' category. From the study, it was found that Zakat organizations are capable of utilizing alternative methods of mustahiq welfare to measure the success of the programs.