Q. Is it wrong to refer to Sadaqat ul Fitr as Sadaqat ul Fitr?
Bismillahir-Rahman-Ir-Rahim
A. It is not wrong to refer to Sadaqat ul Fitr as Sadaqat ul Fitr. This name is perfectly correct and it has also been used in several Ahadeeth.
The name Sadaqat ul Fitr has been used in Sahih Al Bukhari in the Hadeeth narrated by Hadhrat Abdullah bin Umar Radiallahu Anhuma (No. 1511 and 1512).
Likewise the name Sadaqat ul Fitr has been used by Rasulullah Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam in Sahih Al Bukhari as narrated in the Hadeeth by Hadhrat Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu (Hadeeth No. 2276).
Since the name is proven from Rasulullah Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam and the Sahaba e Kiraam Radiallahu Anhum, several Muhadditheen Rahmatullahi Alayhim have used it as a heading in their compilations of Hadeeth.
Imaam Bukhari Rahmatullahi Alayh has used this very name in seven out of totl of nine headings related to Sadaqat ul Fitr.
As it is Sadaqat ul Fitr has several names. The famous commentator of Sahih Al Bukhari Allama Ainee Rahmarullahi Alayh says that it is called Sadaqat ul Fitr, Zakat ul Fitr, Zakat u Ramadhaan, Zakat us Sawm.
In the hadeeth of Abdullah bin Abbas Radiallahu Anhuma it has been referred to as Sadaqat us Sawm. In yet another hadeeth of Abu Hurairaah Radiallahu Anhu it has been called Sadaqat u Ramadhaan. It is also known as Sadaqat ur ru'oos and Zakat ul Abdaan. (Umdat ul Qaari - commentry of Sahih Al Bukhari Vol: 9, Pg. 107).
To conclude there is nothing wrong in referring to Sadaqat ul Fitr as Sadaqat ul Fitr. This name has been used by Rasulullah Sallahu alayhi wasallam himself.
Verily Allah Ta'laa knows best
Umar Farooq Desai
22 Shawwaal 1421 A.H.