Begging

Q: The evil practice of begging has spread in many Muslim countries, especially at Masjids (mosques) and teaching centers. Once the Imam (the one who leads congregational Prayer) pronounces Taslim (salutation of peace ending the Prayer) and turns to the people, a beggar or more appear before the rows. They begin presenting their cases while weeping to gain people's sympathy and ask for help. Other beggars fake physical disabilities. This practice leads to deceiving Muslims, taking their money unjustly, and disturbing those trying to recite the Adhkar (invocations) after prayer. A beggar may disturb and interrupt them leaving them confused regarding what they have and have not said. (Part No. 24; Page No. 375) Your Honor, is it permissible for the Imam to warn the people offering prayer against giving money to these beggars? Is it permissible to drive away those who are thought to be beggars from the Masjid? Does warning Muslims against some beggars and urging them not to give them any money due to their false claims fall under the prohibited repulsion? Allah states: And repulse not the beggar. Finally, what is meant by the word "repulsion" mentioned in the Ayah (Qur'anic verse) and what type of beggar should not be turned away? Please enlighten us and may Allah enlighten you!

A: It is permissible for a needy person to ask people for money, if this person does not have what suffices them and cannot earn their living. They may ask others for what suffices them. As for those who are not needy or who are in need but can work and earn a living, begging is not permissible and anything they take from people in such case is unlawful. It is related on the authority of Qubaysah ibn Mukhariq Al-Hilaly (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said, I was indebted and I went to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) begging him to help me with my debt. He said: "Wait until we receive charity money, and we can order it to be given to you." He again said: "O Qubaysah! Begging is not permissible except for one of three (types of people): an indebted person is permissible to ask for money until they repay their debt and they should abstain from begging after that; a person whose property has been destroyed by a calamity is permissible to ask for money until they receive what supports their life (or 'what provides them with reasonable subsistence'); and a person who has been smitten by poverty until three upright members of their people say: 'So-and so (Part No. 24; Page No. 376) is afflicted with poverty'. It is permissible for this person to ask for money until they receive what supports them (or 'what provides them with subsistence'). O Qubaysah! Begging (for any reason) apart from these three is forbidden, and the one who does is consuming what is forbidden." (Related by Ahmad, Muslim, Al-Nasa'i and Abu Dawud). It is also reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, "Anyone who begs to increase their riches is in fact asking only for a live coal." He (peace be upon him) further stated, "Sadaqah (charity) may not be given to a rich person or to a strong person with healthy limbs." (Related by Ahmad, Abu Dawud and Al-Tirmidhy but not by Ibn Majah and Al-Nasa'y). It is the duty of Muslims to advise these beggars and Muslim scholars should clarify the matter to people during Jumu`ah (Friday) sermons or other occasions and in the media. As for the prohibited repulsion of the beggar mentioned in the Ayah: And repulse not the beggar. It refers to scolding them and raising the voice in their presence. This applies to (Part No. 24; Page No. 377) anyone asking for money or for a Shari`ah (Islamic law) ruling. Yet this does not mean that we cannot correct a mistaken person asking about a ruling and advise them with wisdom and fair preaching.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.