Understanding The Prophet's Life
From Issue: 842 [Read full issue]
Financial Assistance
Begging or soliciting financial assistance is disapproved in the Shariah and should only be resorted to in the case of necessity. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said to Qabeesa:
"O Qabeesa, begging is not permissible but for one of three (classes) of persons: one who has incurred debt, for him begging is permissible until he pays that off, after which he must stop; a man whose property has been destroyed by a calamity which has smitten him, for him begging is permissible till he gets what will support life or will provide him reasonable subsistence; and a person who has been smitten by poverty, the genuineness of which is confirmed by three intelligent members of his people, for him begging is permissible until he gets what will support him, or will provide him subsistence. O Qabeesa, besides these three, [every other reason] for begging is forbidden, and one who engages in such consumes that which is forbidden." [Muslim]
Instead of asking from others and relying upon others, a Muslim should much rather prefer to work for his own wealth, even if his work is of a very menial nature. In another hadith, the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated:
"It is better for one of you to bring a load of firewood on his back and sell it, than to ask of another who might give him or refuse to give him." [Muslim]
Compiled From:
"Commentary on the Forty Hadith of an-Nawawi" - Jamaal al-Din Zarabozo, pp. 753, 754