Selection of zakah applicants by using fuzzy technique of order preference for similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) method

The Unit Zakat, Sedekah, and Wakaf (ZAWAF) Perlis in Malaysia provided zakah assistance to students. However, due to the limited funds and the large number of applications, not all applicants can receive assistance. To ensure fairness and eliminate ambiguity, this study aimed to select the entitled applicants among 383 applicants from various backgrounds at UiTM Perlis. Fuzzy Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method was employed for decision-making. Four criteria were considered for ranking the applicants: family income, number of dependents, number of disability or sick dependents, and amount of loan scholarship received per semester. The study identified the three most entitled applicants to receive zakah: S 157, S 190, and S222, with a closeness coefficient of 0.8569. Conversely, S262 was the least entitled applicant, with a closeness coefficient of 0.0360. The findings of this study have significant implications for various stakeholders, including ZA W AF Perlis, the entitled applicants, and zakah institutions in Malaysia. ZA W AF Perlis can use these findings to allocate zakah funds more effectively. The entitled students can use fmancial assistance to support their education and well-being. Moreover, other zakah institutions in Malaysia can adopt the TOPSIS method to improve selection processes and allocate funds more efficiently.