Begging in Masjids

Q: Many disabled beggars sit in Al-Haram-ul-Sharif (the Sacred Mosque in Makkah) in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, and they beg from pilgrims and visitors, especially in the road between Al-Safa and Al-Marawah. I once heard that (Part No. 6; Page No. 287) it is impermissible to give a Sadaqah (voluntary charity) inside a Masjid (mosque). Is it permissible to give those people Sadaqah while they are inside the Sacred House? Is it permissible to give Sadaqah in the two Sacred Precincts in particular and the Masjids in general? Please advise, may Allah reward you.

A: The Shaykh of Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah be merciful to him) gave the ruling on begging in the Masjid, which is as follows: begging itself is prohibited, whether inside or outside the Masjid, except in case of necessity. If a person is needy, and they beg from people inside the Masjid, without harming anyone by stepping over the people, lying about their situation, or publicizing it in a disturbing manner, such as when the preacher is giving his sermon and the people are listening to him. Allah knows best.As for giving Sadaqah in the Masjid, there is no harm in it. Muslim narrated in his Sahih (authentic) Book of Hadith, from Jarir that he said, We were sitting with the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) at midday when a group of barefoot people, wearing shabby, woolen clothes and carrying swords, approached us. Most of them, or even all of them, came from Mudar. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) became angry as he saw their abject poverty. He entered his house, then came out again and asked Bilal to make the Adhan (call to Prayer) and the Iqamah (call to start the Prayer). He offered Salah, and then said to the people, O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Adam) ... Surely, Allâh is Ever an All-Watcher over you. And Fear Allâh and keep your duty to Him. And let every person look to what he has sent forth for the morrow (Part No. 6; Page No. 288) Each man gave a Sadaqah, whether a Dirham, a Dinar, a piece of clothes, a Sa` (1 Sa`=3 kg. Approx.) of wheat or dates, or even half a date. One of the Ansar (Helpers, inhabitants of Madinah who supported the Prophet) brought a sack too heavy to lift, then people began offering things in charity, until there became two piles of food and clothes. I saw the Prophet's face radiating with happiness, and he said, "Whoever introduces some good practice in Islam which is followed after them (by people) will be assured of reward like one who follows it, without their rewards being diminished in any respect. Whoever introduces some evil practice in Islam which is followed subsequently (by others) would be required to bear the burden like that of one who follows this (evil practice) without theirs being diminished in any respect." May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.