In this seminal paper published in the international journal Humanomics, Professor Dr. Abul Hasan M. Sadeq redefines the institution of Zakah not merely as a pillar of faith, but as a sophisticated ethico-economic mechanism for sustainable development. He argues that Zakah serves as a vital instrument for achieving national self-reliance by empowering the marginalized at the grassroots level.

Key Research Pillars:

• Self-Reliance through Empowerment: Moving beyond "consumption-based relief," Professor Sadeq proposes a "productive-transfer" model where Zakah funds are used to provide tools, education, and small-scale capital to transform recipients into self-sufficient entrepreneurs.
• Sustainable Grassroots Development: Analyzing how Zakah can stimulate local economies by increasing the purchasing power of the poor, which in turn drives demand for local goods and services.
• Ethical Macroeconomics: Defining Zakah as a unique fiscal tool that combines moral obligation with economic efficiency, effectively reducing the wealth gap without the distortive effects of high conventional taxation.
• Institutionalization: The study highlights the necessity of structured, transparent management of Zakah to ensure it reaches its developmental potential, moving away from fragmented individual charity to systemic social security.

This 1996 publication remains a highly cited work in the UK and worldwide for its vision of integrating traditional Islamic values with modern development economics to solve chronic poverty.

Core Concepts: Zakah, Sustainable Development, Grassroots Empowerment, Humanomics, Self-Reliance, Poverty Alleviation, AUB.