PERAN BAZNAS KOTA BANDUNG DALAM PEMBERDAYAAN EKONOMI UMAT PADA MASA COVID-19 (2019-2021)

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the dynamic role of BAZNAS Kota Bandung in responding to the social crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic from 2019 to 2021, particularly in empowering the community’s economy through zakat-based programs. This research employs a historical method with a descriptive-analytical approach, involving stages of heuristics, source criticism, interpretation, and historiography. Data sources include official documents, program reports, institutional archives, and interviews with stakeholders and beneficiaries. The analysis is framed using Talcott Parsons’ AGIL theory and the concept of social stratification to examine the social functions of zakat institutions during crisis conditions. The findings reveal that BAZNAS Kota Bandung experienced significant role transformations throughout the pandemic. In the early phase, the institution prioritized emergency social assistance such as basic food distribution, cash aid, and healthcare support to sustain beneficiaries’ basic needs. Subsequently, zakat, infaq, and sadaqah (ZIS) distribution was conducted systematically with digital adaptations to ensure accurate targeting. In the later phase, BAZNAS implemented economic empowerment programs, including Z-Mart and Z-Chicken, as part of long-term recovery efforts. The Z-Mart program demonstrated more sustainable outcomes compared to Z-Chicken, which tended to be temporary due to limited mentoring and business adaptability challenges. Overall, this study concludes that the integration of social assistance, ZIS distribution, and economic empowerment programs produces complementary impacts in maintaining social stability and improving beneficiaries’ economic capacity. However, the effectiveness of these programs depends on appropriate program design and sustained institutional support