Begging as a profession

CategoriesZakah [295]

Fatwa ID: 01400

Answered by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Question:

Begging as a profession

Answer:

Bismillah

In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.

It is mentioned in a hadith that the Prophet of Allah ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) allowed begging forthree kinds of people: The one stricken by poverty, the one in insurmountable debt, the one who took the responsibility of the Diyyah (blood money) in order to reconcile between the people.” (Sunan Abu Dawuud)

In another hadith the Prophet of Allah ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) said “Whoever asks from people their possessions in order to increase his possessions, he asks for but a piece of fire. Either for less of it, or for more, as he wills.” (Sahih Muslim)

If you think one is a professional beggar then there is no sin in not giving him anything. However, if you are unsure then you should give him something little as it is narrated by SaaidunaAbdullah ibn Umar raḍyAllāhu 'anhu (may Allāh be pleased with him) that the Prophet of Allah ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) said: ‘If anyone seeks protection in Allah's Name, grant him protection; if anyone begs in Allah's Name, give him something…(Sunan Abu Dawuud)

Only Allah Knows Best

Mohammed Tosir Miah

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