Zakat is one of the obligations in Islam that plays an important role in
creating social welfare and reducing economic inequality. In its
development, zakat is not only given in consumptive form, but also
productively, which aims to empower mustahiq economically. This study
aims to analyse the criteria of productive mustahiq zakat in Baitul Mal Aceh
Barat and evaluate the relevance of these criteria with maqashid sharia
principles. The methods used are in-depth interviews with zakat managers
and productive zakat experts, as well as documentation studies and direct
observation in the field. The results showed that the criteria of productive
zakat mustahiq applied in Baitul Mal Aceh Barat are only given to the poor
and needy who face economic difficulties, by considering the business
potential of prospective zakat recipients so that they can manage the
assistance effectively to achieve economic independence. The application of
these criteria is very relevant to the principles of maqashid sharia, such as
hifz al-mal, hifz al-'ird, and hifz al-nafs, because it not only fulfils the basic
needs of mustahiq, but also empowers them to be economically independent,
improve dignity, and maintain the welfare of the soul, in line with the long-
term goal of improving the quality of life and social welfare.