Fitrah Meaning in Islam, Quran, Hadith & Ramadan Explained

Introduction: The Basic Structure of a Muslim

Being one of the large and suave tapestries of Islamic thought, certain conceptions are the very fabric of a believer’s way of thinking and manner of living. One of the deepest of them all is Fitrah. Neither a word in any definition of the term, the Fitrah meaning in Islam is the original and natural bent with which all human beings are endowed—a natural inclination towards the acceptance of Divine Oneness (Tawhid).

This comprehensive handbook will lead you to the very essence of what is Fitrah, informing you of its origin in etymology, its foremost place in the Quran and Sunnah, its earthly application to daily life, and its obligatory duty in Ramadan as Zakat al-Fitr. Regardless of your requirement of Fitrah meaning in English, Arabic, or Urdu, or if you need the Hadith of Fitrah and its calculation, the article will be your point of reference. We are going to present to you the required questions, like What does the Quran say regarding Fitrah? What are Islam’s 5 Fitrah? And how is the Fitrah calculated? Whereby you’re left with a lengthy, detailed concept of the image.

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1. Revelation of the Word: What is Fitrah?

Arabic and English Translation of Fitrah

The Arabic word Fitra (فطرة) originates from the root word fatara (فطر), which means to produce, cause, or give rise to something. The word has a lexical meaning of showing the first, initial condition by which something comes to be brought into existence.

In Islamic terminology, the Fitrah refers to the initial, natural inclination instilled in every human being by Allah at birth. Natural and naturalistic conduct which recognizes the Oneness of God (Allah) and inclines towards righteousness, goodness, and truth. It is the instinct that wants to be united with its Creator.

Fitrah meaning in English generally means “natural disposition,” “primordial nature,” “innate monotheism,” or “original constitution.” These are merely qualified words of the richness of the concept, however. Fitrah is not learned; it is a natural component of the human soul.

Fitrah Meaning in Urdu

In Urdu, so much based on Arabic and Persian, Fitrah is spelled as فطرت. The meaning of Fitrah meaning in Urdu also translates to the very same profound meanings. It is طبیعی مزاج (natural temperament) or خلقی tendency (natural tendency). It is the natural, unadulterated state in which Allah has brought man into being altogether—a state which is to submit to His will by itself.

2. The Quranic Foundation: What Does the Quran Teach About Fitrah?

The main evidence of the Fitrah belief has obvious references in the Holy Quran. From the divine origin, there has been a fundamental belief that faith is natural and not a matter of pressure from outside.

Analysis of Surah Ar-Rum, Verse 30

“So direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth. [Adhere to] the Fitrah of Allah upon which He has created [all] people. No change should there be in the creation of Allah. That is the correct religion, but most people do not know.” (Quran 30:30)

This is the foremost verse to learn about what Fitrah is. Let’s discuss its profound meaning:

• “The Fitrah of Allah on which He has created [all] mankind”: A categorical statement that this nature was brought about by Allah Himself, not an evolutionary, coincidental quality, but a divinely intentional implant in every individual human being.

• “No change should there be in the creation of Allah”: This is that such Fitrah is flawless and unchangeable. It is not subject to alteration, but may get hidden or tainted due to extrinsic factors like surroundings, upbringing, and evil deeds. The faith of Islam (submission to God) was meant to unveil and purify this original Fitrah, and not to substitute it.

• “That is the way of life”: Fitrah, human nature follows human Deen or natural religion. Islamic laws and teachings are not capricious, but instead seek to appeal to, provide for, and answer this natural disposition. Being Muslim requires being honest with oneself.

It affectionately proclaims the question, What does the Quran say about Fitrah? It declares Tawhid to be the natural condition of humanity.

3. Prophetic Interpretation: Complete Hadith on Fitrah

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) demarcated the Quranic theory of Fitrah in his own doctrine, granting heavenly and worldly interpretation.

Every Child is Born Upon Fitrah” – Source and Interpretation of the Hadith

Abu Hurairah (RA) narrates the most frequent Hadith on Fitrah when the Prophet (ﷺ) mentioned:

“Every child is born in a state of Fitrah (i.e., upon Tawhid/Islam), and then his parents make him a Jew, a Christian, or a Magian. It is just as a animal gives birth to a perfect baby animal. Do you find it mutilated?” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1385; Sahih Muslim 2658)

This hadith reference becomes significant. It confirms that:

• Innocence and Cleansing: No man is born evil or inherits the evil of his father. They are born innocent and imbibe the truth.

• Influence of Parents: The external world, primarily parents, then socialize the child. Socialization could be a reason to create the Fitrah (by becoming Muslim) or destroy it (by adopting other belief systems).

• The Analogy: The analogy of the healthy baby animal is to suggest that Fitrah birth is man’s natural, intended, and ideal state. Any deviation from monotheism is an acquired flaw, not a birth flaw.

The Great Hadith of the Five Acts of Fitrah

A plug-and-play Hadith on Fitrah documents its practical, hygienic aspects. The Prophet (ﷺ) stated:

“Five are the acts of Fitrah: circumcision, shaving the pubic hair, plucking the armpit hair, clipping the nails, and trimming the moustache.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 5891; Sahih Muslim 257)

In fact, the count goes higher even to ten acts in another hadith with Siwak (tooth brushing) added, cleaning the nose, etc.

This hadith brings back this word from the religious arena and into the world. It tells us that Fitrah is inner faith and outer purity, for cleansing the body is on par with cleansing the soul. They are not cultural; they are Sunnah practices which resonate with our nature bestowed by God, which insists on cleanness, wellness, and decency.

4. The 5 Fitrah in Islam: A Practical Guide to Natural Purity

The above five practices are mostly done. Let us mention each one of them individually to know what are the 5 Fitrah in Islam are and why.

1. Circumcision (Khitan)

Male circumcision is a very prevalent practice among all Muslims and is seen to be a sign of belonging to the Ummah of Ibrahim (AS). The benefits are the benefits of enhanced hygiene, reducing the risk of infection, and compliance with a command of Allah, which returns the believer to a prophetic tradition.

2. Trimming of the Moustache

It is the order of the Prophet (ﷺ) to shave the moustache over a certain limit so that it becomes inconvenient to the activity of eating, drinking, and cleanliness. It is an indication of cleanliness and against the practice of some sects of non-Muslims who make their moustaches long.

3. Letting the Beard Grow

For men, a beard is a Sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ) and manliness. It identifies Muslim men as different from others and as an act of compliance with the Sunnah word-for-word.

4. Armpit Hair Removal

One important component of personal hygiene is shaving the area under the arms. It stops perspiration and bacteria from building up, which avoids body odour and helps clean the body for socialising and prayer.

5. Shaving Pubic Hair

Similar to shaving armpit body hair, shaving of pubic hair is necessary for ritual and physical cleanliness (Taharah). It is a ritual that cleanses the body from germs and increases the efficacy of Ghusl (complete ablution).

Other Activities: Other activities which are normally encompassed within the category of Fitrah are the Miswak (teeth brushing), Istinja (cleaning the toilet after its use), and hair combing. All these 5 activities of the Fitrah are integral to an overall system of natural living.

5. Zakat al-Fitr: Cleansing Ramadan Alms

More closely related but distinct is Zakat al-Fitr, otherwise known as simply Fitrah.

Zakat Fitrah Meaning and Purpose

The phrase “Zakat Fitrah” refers to the mandatory charity that is due at the conclusion of Ramadan, prior to the Eid prayer. It has two goals:

1. Purification of Fasting Person: It purifies the fasting person from all indecent word or act which he may have done during fasting in Ramadan and concludes the fast.

2. Donation to Poor: It is for the poor and needy so that they also celebrate the day of Eid with a light heart and full stomach.

Ibn Abbas (RA) has narrated:

“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) ordained Zakat al-Fitr to purify the fasting person from indecent words and actions, and to provide food for the needy.” (Sunan Abu Dawud)

How is Fitrah Calculated? A Step-by-Step Guide

How is Fitrah calculated? It is simple to calculate, not in terms of riches but rather in terms of a quantifiable amount.

• The Measure: The tax was a Sa’ of a staple. One Sa’ is an ancient measurement which is equivalent to some 3 kilograms (or approximately 6.5-7 pounds) of wheat, barley, dates, raisins, rice, or any available staple.

• Modern Calculation: Since everyone is contributing an equal amount in cash, local Muslim leaders announce the figure each year according to the current price of staple foods (such as rice or flour). Numerous Hadith exist regarding Zakat in general and Zakat al-Fitr in particular.

• Who Pays? The head of the household pays him/herself and dependents (wife, children, any cared relatives).

The Time of Payment and Recipients

Zakat al-Fitr payment starts from sunset on the evening before the end of Ramadan and is finalized up to a short while before the Eid prayer. The payment must be made in advance so that the poor get it on time for Eid.

The recipients are the same eight classes listed in the case of Zakat in general in Surah At-Tawbah (9:60) but focused explicitly on the poor and needy persons.

Hadith on Zakat al-Fitr

Numerous Hadith exist regarding Zakat in general and Zakat al-Fitr in particular. The requirement is imposed through the prevalent hadith in the Arabic language:

عَنِ ابْنِ عُمَرَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمَا قَالَ فَرَضَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ زَكَاةَ الْفِطْرِ صَاعًا مِنْ تَمْرٍ أَوْ صَاعًا مِنْ شَعِيرٍ عَلَى الْعَبْدِ وَالْحُرِّ وَالذَّكَرِ وَالْأُنْثَى وَالصَّغِيرِ وَالْكَبِيرِ مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ

Ibn ‘Umar (RA) said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) made Zakat al-Fitr obligatory—one Sa’ of dates or one Sa’ of barley—upon every Muslim, slave and free, male and female, young and old.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)

The Urdu hadiths on zakat and others in other languages repeat the same call to action, bearing witness to its universality among Muslims.

6. The Modern Relevance of Fitrah: Paying Heed to Your Inner Instinct

In a distracting, noisy, ideology-driven world, Fitrah is more required than ever. It is a guiding compass for the heart towards the truth.

10 Characteristics of Fitrah in the Modern World

Not a rigid form from the scriptures, the 10 Characteristics of Fitrah can be understood as images of our true self:

1. The Inclination to Worship: A natural inclination towards something higher than ourselves.
2. Moral Intuition: A natural sense of right and wrong, even without teaching.
3. Seeking Purpose: A natural tendency to seek purpose and meaning in life.
4. Compassion and Empathy: A  Natural sense of concern and affection for other creatures.
5. Love of Beauty and Order: Beauty, order, and nature as signs of the Creator, which are loved.
6. Quest for Truth: An instinctive urge to discover the truth of existence.
7. Sense of Justice: Natural outrage against injustice and tyranny.
8. Gratitude: Instinctive inclination towards thankfulness for beneficence.
9. Community and Belonging: Having the urge to be with others and form families and societies.
10. Hope and Optimism: Having an innate inclination towards hope even in times of hardship.

Overcoming the Corruption of Fitrah

The Fitrah can be dormant, hidden from view by sin, forgetfulness, or misdirected upbringing. The Islamic path is the path back to Fitrah. This is achieved by:

• Dhikr (Remembering Allah): Illuminating the heart.

• Prayer and Quran: Staying connected with the Divine at all times.

• Good Company: Surrounding oneself with people who remind one of who they once were.

• Reflection on Creation: Glancing around noticing evidences of Allah everywhere in the world.

• Seeking Knowledge: Search for knowledge of Islam in an urgent bid to erase doubts.

Further Islamic Blogs 

• Preparing for Ramadan
• Islamic Ethics and Morality
• Life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
• Birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

7. Conclusion: Back to Your Former State

In comprehending the meaning of Fitrah in Islam is to know yourself. It’s the answer to the question, “What is Fitra in Islam?”—it is your built-in programming, planted by Allah, which is meant to know Him. It is the Godly tug that always tugs you in the direction of your Creator.

From the Fitrah awareness of Ramadan that is contained in the purifying action of Zakat al-Fitr to the daily 5 acts of the Fitrah, which maintain body and soul wholesome, the idea is a living, breathing part of a Muslim’s life.

Get familiar with your Fitrah. Care for it by following Allah, and protect it from what defiles it. You are not putting on the stranger’s cloak over you by doing so; you are returning to the most natural to you—you are returning to that state in which Allah created man. You are following the command of Allah to be firm in the natural inclination in which He created man. There is no change in the creation of Allah. That is the straight path.