What to Do If You Forget to Read the Intention for Zakat Fitrah? Here’s the Solution

Kapanlagi.com - Zakat fitrah is an obligatory act of worship that must be performed by every Muslim before celebrating Eid al-Fitr. However, there is one crucial aspect that is often overlooked in its implementation, which is the intention. The intention in zakat is not merely a formality; it is a valid condition that determines whether the zakat we fulfill is accepted or not.

So, what if someone forgets to read the intention when paying zakat fitrah? Is the zakat still considered valid or must it be repeated? According to various schools of thought in Islam, the intention plays a very important role in the act of zakat. But don’t worry! There is a solution that can be taken if the intention is forgotten.

In the study of fiqh, there are various views regarding the ruling on zakat given without intention, ranging from the necessity to repeat it to it being valid under certain conditions. Let’s take a look at the complete explanation about the importance of intention in zakat fitrah and the solutions that can be applied if we forget to read it, as summarized by Kapanlagi.com on Saturday (15/3).

1. Why is the Intention for Zakat Fitrah Mandatory?

According to information from baznas.jogjakota.go.id, zakat fitrah is an inseparable obligation for every Muslim, as stated in a hadith narrated by Ibn Umar RA:

"The Messenger of Allah SAW made zakat fitrah obligatory at the amount of one sha' of dates or one sha' of wheat for every Muslim, whether a slave or free, male or female, small or large, and he commanded that it be given before people go for the Id prayer." (HR. Bukhari & Muslim)

However, before fulfilling this obligation, it is important to recite the intention from the heart, because intention is one of the pillars of zakat that determines the validity of the worship. Without a sincere intention, the zakat given may be considered ordinary charity and does not fulfill the obligation of zakat fitrah.

Therefore, every Muslim is highly encouraged to ensure their intention is correct before fulfilling zakat fitrah. If there is negligence, there are several solutions that can be taken, depending on the school of thought followed.

2. Shafi'i School's View: Zakat Must Be Repeated If the Intention Is Forgotten

Referring to NU Online, in the Shafi'i school, zakat given without intention is considered invalid, even if forgotten. This is because intention is an absolute requirement in every act of worship, including zakat fitrah. As a solution, someone who forgets to state their intention is advised to ask for the zakat that has been given to the recipient back, and then give it again with the correct intention. In this way, the zakat becomes valid because the intention is included in the process of giving.

This view is considered the safest approach in Islamic jurisprudence, as it ensures that zakat fitrah is truly given with full awareness and in accordance with the requirements of Sharia. In line with this, Shaykh al-Islam Sheikh Zakaria al-Anshari stated in Matba’ah Maimaniah volume VI, page 415:

وَلَوْ دَفَعَ ثُمَّ شَكَّ هَلْ وُجِدَتْ مِنْهُ نِيَّةٌ عِنْدَ الدَّمـعَفِ، أَوْ قَبْلَهُ، أَوْ لَمْ يُوجَدْ فَالْقِيَاسُ أَنَّهُ يَضُرُّ إلǎا أâنْ يَتَرَكَّرَ وَإِنْ طَالَالْفَصْلُ

In other words, "If one gives (wealth for zakat), then doubts whether it was accompanied by intention at the time of giving, or intention prior, or there was no intention at all, then the zakat is invalid, unless he remembers (and states it), even after a long time."

3. Maliki School's View: Forgetting Intention Does Not Nullify Zakat

Unlike the Shafi'i School, the Maliki School has a more flexible view regarding forgetting the intention in zakat fitrah. According to Maliki scholars, if someone forgets to state their intention when paying zakat, their zakat remains valid as long as it is done with the awareness that the wealth is given as zakat.

In other words, an intention that is not verbally expressed or not remembered at the time of paying zakat does not automatically invalidate the zakat. In this condition, the intention that exists in the heart is still considered valid, even if it is not explicitly stated at the time of giving zakat fitrah. According to Imam al-Kharasyi, in Syarhu Mukhtashar al-Khalil Cairo in Darul Hadits: 2005, vol II, page 222, it is stated:

وَنَقَلَ الشَّيْخُ كَرِيْمُ الدِّيْنِ اَلْإِجْزَاءَ فِيْمَنْ نَسِيَ النِّيَةَ أَلَمَالَهَ

This means, “Sheikh Karimuddin cites one opinion (in the Maliki school), that zakat is sufficient for those who forget their intention, or do not know about the (law of) intention.”

This opinion provides relief for those who unintentionally forget to state their intention, so there is no need to repeat the payment of zakat fitrah if it has already been given to the rightful recipients.

4. Opinions of the Hanbali and Dhahiri Schools: Intention Can Be Followed Up

The Hanbali school and some scholars from the Dhahiri school provide a lighter solution for those who forget to state their intention for zakat fitrah. According to this view, if someone forgets to state their intention when giving zakat, they can follow up with the intention when they remember it again.

This is based on the understanding that zakat fitrah is not a form of worship that must be performed within a very limited time like prayer, so the intention can still be corrected as long as the zakat has not been used by the recipient.

In other words, someone who remembers that they forgot to state their intention can immediately intend in their heart afterward, without having to reclaim the zakat that has already been given. This opinion provides ease in the implementation of zakat fitrah, especially for those who have limitations in remembering the intention directly.

5. How to Prevent Forgetting the Intention When Paying Zakat Fitrah

To avoid the problem of forgetting the intention when paying zakat fitrah, there are several steps that can be taken, including:

Memorizing and Getting Used to the Intention Reading

One of the best ways to prevent forgetting is to get used to reading the intention before paying zakat.

Writing Down the Intention Before Submitting Zakat

If worried about forgetting, one can write down the intention in notes or on their phone before submitting zakat fitrah.

Making the Zakat Payment with Full Awareness

When about to pay zakat, ensure that your mind is focused on the worship and not in a hurry.

Reminding Family to Read the Intention

If paying zakat for the family, make sure every family member knows their intention so that their zakat is valid.

With these steps, Muslims can ensure that the zakat fitrah they give is truly valid and accepted by Allah SWT.

6. FAQ

Is zakat fitrah still valid if one forgets to intend?

According to the Shafi'i school, zakat must be repeated with intention. However, the Maliki and Hanbali schools allow zakat to remain valid under certain conditions.

What if I have already paid zakat but just realized I forgot to state my intention?

If following the Hanbali or Dhahiri school, the intention can be made afterward. However, the Shafi'i school advises repeating the zakat with the correct intention.

What is the best solution to prevent forgetting the intention for zakat fitrah?

Getting into the habit of stating the intention before giving zakat, writing it down, and reminding family members when paying zakat fitrah.

Does the intention for zakat fitrah need to be spoken out loud or is it enough to have it in the heart?

In all schools, intention in the heart is sufficient, but stating it verbally is recommended for greater assurance.

(kpl/rmt)