Jamiatul Ulama KZN Council of Muslim Theologians
Nasihah (Advice): Turning to Allah at the time of financial difficulty
Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “Whoever is afflicted by poverty and turns to people, his poverty will never end, but whoever is afflicted by poverty and turns to Allah, Allah will provide for him immediately or after some time.” [Abu Dawud]
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Question and Answer:
- How do you deal with beggars who keep coming back to your door? What is the correct ruling? We give one and so many more come. What is the Islamic ruling?
- A. You may politely refuse to give them. This is permissible to do and sometimes necessary depending on circumstance. [Hindiyyah 4: 408]
It is a virtuous act to give charity to the poor. If somebody comes begging and you believe him to be needy and deserving of your charity, giving him charity will be meritorious and rewarding. However, if he is not in genuine need or will abuse the funds, then that money should be given to other underprivileged people who are more deserving and will use those funds correctly.
It is a sad reality nowadays that certain individuals have taken begging as a profession, simply because it is easier to beg than to work hard and earn the same amount. Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam has encouraged us to work and has discouraged us from going out and stretching our hands before people.
Once an Ansaari came to Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam asking for assistance. Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam enquired, “Is there nothing in your home?” The Ansaari replied, “Yes we have a saddle blanket that we cover ourselves with and that we lay down for sleeping, and a wooden container from which we drink water.”
Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam then instructed the Ansaari to bring those two items. When he arrived with them, Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam held them in his hand and said, “Who will purchase these?” One Sahaabi said, “I will take them for one Dirham (silver coin).” Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam asked again, “Who will double or triple this price?” Another Sahaabi said, “I will take them for two Dirhams.”
Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam then sold him the items and took the two Dirhams. He then gave the Dirhams to the Ansaari and instructed, “Purchase food for one Dirham and give it to your family. Purchase an axe head with the other and bring it to me.” The Sahaabi brought the axe head and Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam fitted the handle on with his own hands. He then told the Ansaari, “Go, cut wood and sell it and return after fifteen days.” The Ansaari then came (after fifteen days) and he had earned ten Dirhams from which he purchased clothing and food.
Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam then remarked, “This is better for you than having to appear on the Day of Resurrection with your begging as scars on your face!” (Abu Dawud #1641)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Moosa Salie
Mufti Taahir Hansa
(The answer hereby given is specifically based on the question asked and should be read together with the question asked. Islamic rulings on this Q&A newsletter are answered in accordance to the Hanafi Fiqh unless otherwise stated.)
Fatwa Department
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Council of Muslim Theologians
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