Zakat Fitri or Zakat Fitrah? The Difference in Meaning and Legal Rulings

As the month of Ramadan draws to a close, Muslims are obligated to pay zakat. However, a question frequently arises amongst the community: which is the correct term—Zakat Fitri or Zakat Fitrah?

Although both refer to the same obligation, etymologically and in meaning, the words fithr (فطر) and fithrah (فطرة) have slightly different roots. Understanding this distinction will enhance our knowledge regarding the essence of spiritual purification at the end of Ramadan.

In the book Fiqih Seputar Zakat Fitri by Hanif Luthfi Lc MA, it is explained that fithrah is often interpreted as purity, cleanliness, or even as Islam itself. This refers to one of the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad.

Scholars mention that it is called zakat fithri because it becomes obligatory once a person reaches the time to break the fast or Eid al-Fitr. The following are several views from prominent imams regarding this naming:

In his book, he mentions that the word shadaqah (alms) is attributed to the word fithr because it becomes obligatory once one has broken the fast and completed the Ramadan fast. Although there is the opinion of Ibn Qutaibah linking it to al-fithrah (purity), Ibn Hajar affirms that the first opinion is stronger.

Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalani (d. 852 AH) states: “The word shadaqah is attributed to the word fithr because it becomes obligatory once one has broken the fast and completed the Ramadan fast. Ibn Qutaibah mentions that the purpose of shadaqah fithr is alms to purify the soul, derived from the word al-fithrah which means pure and clean as at the beginning of human creation. However, the first opinion is more correct.” (Fath al-Bari, volume 3, page 367)

In the book al-Iqna’, he explains that it is called zakat fithri because of the arrival of Eid al-Fitr. However, he also acknowledges the use of the term zakat fitrah (with a kasrah on the letter fa’) which refers to the purity of the original nature of human creation.

“It is called zakat fithri because it becomes obligatory upon the arrival of Eid al-Fitr. Some also call it zakat fitrah with a kasrah on the letter fa’ and the addition of ta’ at the end. Derived from the word fitrah which means pure. As in the verse: ‘In accordance with the fitrah of Allah, for He has created mankind according to (that) fitrah.’” (al-Iqna fi Halli Alfadz Abi Syuja’, volume 1, page 226)

“The items issued (for zakat fithri) are called fithrah with a kasrah on the fa’. This word is a borrowed term, not originally Arabic or arabicised. It is a term used by jurists as if the zakat derives from fitrah, meaning the original nature of human creation or the zakat of the original nature of human creation.” (al-Majmu’, volume 6, page 103)

The majority of scholars state that the legal ruling for performing zakat fitri is fardhu (obligatory). This is a command that must be carried out; those who fulfil it will receive reward, and those who neglect it will be sinful.

There is a slight difference in classification within the Hanafi school of jurisprudence:

In the Hanafi school, zakat fitri falls into the category of wajib (obligatory), not fardhu (absolutely obligatory). However, beyond this technical terminological difference, Ibn al-Mundzir affirms the consensus of scholars (ijma’) that zakat fitri is an obligation for every Muslim.