How to deal with a "begger"...

[syed1]

Just yesturday after Leaving the majid on my way home from the city I was approached by a man who began talking to me and telling me about his tragic life...

He kept going on and on about how his wife past away, how he had to undergo chemotherapy and that he has a son and all this sad stuff all while I was walking towards my bus.

He kept quoting verses from the quran talking to me in arabic n then translating and telling me about the importance of zakat and giving charity and what a true muslim is ought to do.

He kept insisting that please, "don't judge me" and to make dua for him and also he was asking for a "gift"... he needed money to buy a cream for this head (apperantly there is a specific cream you need to put on once you have done chemo)

Anyways, the point is eventually I genuinely felt he was telling the truth and gave him some money with the intention of helping the brother out...

My question is, (1) should I have given him money to help him out or should I have just ignored him ?

(2) is it permissible to beg for money if you are in need ?

(3) is there any sin for not responding or acknowledging someone who is asking for money. (for example, usually out side the mosque I find a lady with a picture oh her childring saying please, please , help, money $$ etc. ) and I will just ignore and keep walking away.

 

[syed1]

any body??

 

[Abz2000]

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

*

1. By the Glorious Morning Light,

2. And by the Night when it is still,-

3. Thy Guardian-Lord hath not forsaken thee, nor is He displeased.

4. And verily the Hereafter will be better for thee than the present.

5. And soon will thy Guardian-Lord give thee (that wherewith) thou shalt be well-pleased.

6. Did He not find thee an orphan and give thee shelter (and care)?

7. And He found thee wandering, and He gave thee guidance.

8. And He found thee in need, and made thee independent.

9. Therefore, treat not the orphan with harshness,

10. Nor repulse the one who asks;

11. But the bounty of the Lord - rehearse and proclaim!

Chapter 93 - Surah Ad-Duha

I normally do what I can as long as I'm not sure they're scammers,
Because I think: what if they're not scammers?
Would I rather they starve?
And regardless of whether they are or not - Allah sees it.

 

[syed1]

What about if you are a person who in debt... is it required for you to still give charity to a begger or at the moque in form of zakat??

also, is it permissible to beg in islam...

 

[Abdul-Raouf]

I have heard a saying in my state..... Its a old secular saying..

"Even if a man comes on a horse and asks money/help to the one who is standing...Its good for him to give"

 

[syed1]

I guess it just depends on your intentions right?

but like, the problem is you don't want to feel like you got taken advantage of because you are very generous or easily gullible...

 

[جوري]

That's a trick they use internationally the sickness thing... Hospitals would not turn down a poor person seeking treatment let alone in a country with socialized medicine.
Here in the U.S when I get a beggar I offer to buy them food or give them food or buy them the medicine or read their x-ray myself.. 2-3 out of every 20 agree to food the rest take a hike in a hurry!

 

[syed1]

Yeah, I could not agree more... most people are very slick and lure you in and try to get you to give out of sympathy...

****it.. i feel like I should went with this guy and bought him exactly what he was asking instead of giving him money!!! :raging:

 

[جوري]

well actually I wouldn't mind buying them medicine or reading their x-rays whatever they allege they need the money for.. what I do mind is giving money and they're using it for something 7aram like liquor. Which they do often especially in the winter because it is highly caloric and makes them feel warm but it is empty calories and can send them into wernicke's encephalopathy amongst other things and I refuse to be a part of that.

 

[Haya emaan]

its better to buy them food clothing or fulfill some other need rather than giving them money because begging has become a profession now a days.. and it is very difficult to distinguish between truth and lie in what they tell you...

 

[Snowflake]

I agree with sis BlueBell. Offer to buy them the thing they claim to need money for.


Beggars have become a real problem in the UK. These Romanian gypsies pose as muslims to target muslims due their being more charitable. It's organized crime and they have mansions back home. You have to watch it to believe it.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode...Child_Beggars/



A nine-bedroomed house in Tandarei, Romania - typical of the extravagant properties found in the area where many of those found to be exploiting youngster come from

 

[Salahudeen]

I was walking down the round once with my 2 friends and this guy approached us and gave us a story that he needed money to get home and he only needed 50p for the bus, we gave it to him. My two other friends were well behind us, also walking down the street, and when we met them at the place we were all going to they told us some guy came upto them and asked them for 50p to get home. That's when we realized he was just walking up and down that street asking people for money with this excuse. Since then we don't give money out.

Also few things to consider, in UK we have a benefits system that takes care of people's needs, so unless people are blowing their money on stuff they don't need they don't really have to beg, they house you if you're homeless, pay your rent for you if you're out of work, give you money for food every week. Since I realized all this I don't give anything to people on the street.

 

[Abz2000]

i normally risk it by giving it when i can - i know about the scammers as i've come across many, but i wonder how i would feel on the D.O.J if i turned down someone who really was stuck,
that said - we do have this old man who walks near old street station and cries saying he came to the eye hospital and lost his wallet - i sorted him out - but saw him a few days later (he didn't seem to recognize me and approached me again) - gave him a lecture and went off, saw him a few days later crying to two captivated ladies - went and had a go at him and they walked off. still see him loitering around though.

but i feel that these idiots shouldn't stop me from helping someone who may be in genuine need.
even if they're alkies - i still feel a psychological boost after buying them food.
never know - they may consider one day and that one action on my part may bring them to the truth.
and on the DOJ - i may have a pleasant surprise (a cost plus on all their good deeds - or a minus of some of my faults).

that doesn't mean i'm encouraging scammers - mind you most of the scammers are probably government assets (some even turn out to be cops).

 

[ardianto]

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

*

1. By the Glorious Morning Light,

2. And by the Night when it is still,-

3. Thy Guardian-Lord hath not forsaken thee, nor is He displeased.

4. And verily the Hereafter will be better for thee than the present.

5. And soon will thy Guardian-Lord give thee (that wherewith) thou shalt be well-pleased.

6. Did He not find thee an orphan and give thee shelter (and care)?

7. And He found thee wandering, and He gave thee guidance.

8. And He found thee in need, and made thee independent.

9. Therefore, treat not the orphan with harshness,

10. Nor repulse the one who asks;

11. But the bounty of the Lord - rehearse and proclaim!

You forgot to mention, this is surah Ad Duhaa

 

[Ramadhan]

I think you just need to follow your heart. If you think you are taken for a ride, then don't give. Allah knows what's in our heart. But if you give, then don't think about it again.

 

[Innocent Soul]

Narrated Ibn 'Umar: I heard Allah's Apostle (p.b.u.h) while he was on the pulpit speaking about charity, to abstain from asking others for some financial help and about begging others, saying, "The upper hand is better than the lower hand. The upper hand is that of the giver and the lower (hand) is that of the beggar."(Sahih Bukhari: Book #24, Hadith #509)

Abu Huraira is reported to have heard the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) as saying: It is letter for one among you to bring a load of firewood on his back and give charity out of it (and satisfy his own need) and be independent of people, than that he should beg from people, whether they give him anything or refuse him. Verily the upper hand is better than the lower hand, and begin (charity) with your dependants. (Sahih Muslim: Book #005, Hadith #2267

Narrated Abu Huraira Allah's Apostle said, "The poor person is not the one who goes round the people and ask them for a mouthful or two (of meals) or a date or two but the poor is that who has not enough (money) to satisfy his needs and whose condition is not known to others, that others may give him something in charity, and who does not beg of people." (Sahih Bukhari: Book #24, Hadith #557)

 

[Endymion]

You are indeed lucky to have such a noble beggar.My expiriences are ridiculous :-[
A few years before a man knocked the door and i was there to recieve him.He was dumb and deaf (Or God knows if he was pretending to be),he show me a piece of paper which says that these people are collecting money for orphans.I went in and asked my mom for some money but she said she dont have a small currecy note and there was no one to brought a change for us so i went back to that man and told him that we are unable to give him something this time.He tried to tell me something through signs but unfortunately,im really bad at it.I did'nt understand a word but i again said sorry for not having anything this time.Then he raise his hands to the sky and did some aa aaa and then he pointed out at my neck.I was unable to understand but i made a quick guess that he is very needy so i made a sorry once again and tried to tell him that i cant understand what he is saying.Then i went back and told my mom that the poor needy man did this and he needs our help.My mother got shocked for a minute and took out the big currency note and runs to the door but that man was gone.I noticed my mom was frightened and i asked her what is this but she was about to go out and find that man to give him money.When i insist,she told me that the signs he made means that "May curses fall on you and you will die today" :skeleton:
This made me really offended and i asked my mom that i will also went out to find him and help him with my shoes but my mother was really serious and she was afraid if his ill wish will cause anything bad :hmm:
And then its a long story how i convinced my mom that such people are Zalimoons but Allah SWT is the best of all judges.

Talking about your questions.

(1) should I have given him money to help him out or should I have just ignored him ?

(93:10) and chide not him who asks.
(93:11) and proclaim the bounty of your Lord.

But this is for those who have money,i you dont have it,say something nice to them but dont repulse them.

(2) is it permissible to beg for money if you are in need ?

Narrated Hakim bin Hizam that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said: The upper hand is better than the lower hand (i.e. he who gives in charity is better than him who takes it). One should start giving first to his dependents. And the best object of charity is that which is given by a wealthy person (from the money which is left after his expenses). And whoever abstains from asking others for some financial help, Allah will give him and save him from asking others, Allah will make him self-sufficient. (Bukhari)

Abu Huraira related that the Prophet said: He who makes a habit of asking from others reaches out for a brand of Fire, so let him refrain or continue, as he desires. (Muslim)

(3) is there any sin for not responding or acknowledging someone who is asking for money. (for example, usually out side the mosque I find a lady with a picture oh her childring saying please, please , help, money $$ etc. ) and I will just ignore and keep walking away

There is no problem not giving them anything.Just dont get rude on them.

What about if you are a person who in debt... is it required for you to still give charity to a begger or at the moque in form of zakat??

Charity/Sadaqah's are to save us from the hell fire and that is the prime reason to spend our money on others.No matter the person is needy or not,you want to save you from hell and from the anger of Allah SWT so pay sadaqah as much you want and dont think whether they are needy or not.Allah SWT knows what you have in your heart.

Recite this doaa if you have debts.
The first duaa was narrated by the Prophet (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam) in Saheeh Bukhari. It is narrated in many ahadeeth that the Prophet (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam) would consistently make this duaa, and many of the Companions heard him repeat it over and over.

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ الْهَمِّ وَالْحُزْنِ وَالْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ وَالْبُخْلِ وَالْجُبْنِ وَضَلَعِ الدَّيْنِ وَغَلَبَةِ الرِّجَالِ

Allahumma inni a’udhu bika minal-hammi wal-Ḥuzni wal-’ajazi wal-kasli wal-bukhli wal-jubni wa ḍala’id-dayni wa ghalabatir-rijal.

O Allah, I take refuge in You from anxiety and sorrow, weakness and laziness, miserliness and cowardice, the burden of debts and from being overpowered by men.

 

[Hamza Asadullah]

Just yesturday after Leaving the majid on my way home from the city I was approached by a man who began talking to me and telling me about his tragic life...

He kept going on and on about how his wife past away, how he had to undergo chemotherapy and that he has a son and all this sad stuff all while I was walking towards my bus.

He kept quoting verses from the quran talking to me in arabic n then translating and telling me about the importance of zakat and giving charity and what a true muslim is ought to do.

He kept insisting that please, "don't judge me" and to make dua for him and also he was asking for a "gift"... he needed money to buy a cream for this head (apperantly there is a specific cream you need to put on once you have done chemo)

Anyways, the point is eventually I genuinely felt he was telling the truth and gave him some money with the intention of helping the brother out...

My question is, (1) should I have given him money to help him out or should I have just ignored him ?

(2) is it permissible to beg for money if you are in need ?

(3) is there any sin for not responding or acknowledging someone who is asking for money. (for example, usually out side the mosque I find a lady with a picture oh her childring saying please, please , help, money $$ etc. ) and I will just ignore and keep walking away.

Begging has become a well paid profession nowadays with some beggers in the city earnig more than the city high flyers because they know of all of the best spots. Even in the most holiest place on Earth in Makkah there are many beggers who take advantage of soft hearted worshippers who are at their most vulnerable.

I have come across many romanian gypsy women who wear scarves on their heads and walk around asking Muslims for money especially standing outside the Masjid on Jummah. They are not even Muslim and only know a couple of Arabic words which they use to decieve people into thinking they are Muslim women in need. They are usually well dressed. One approached me once and she asked for money, I saw she had a gold tooth and asked her why has she got a gold tooth if she is so poor and she quickly walked away.

The best way to deal with such beggers is to offer them food or clothing. That way one can differentiate which are genuine and which are not. But it does come down to ones own discretion. We should not be overly suspicious but if there is more suspicion than anything else then we should offer them food. If they refuse and ask for money then you know, so just smile, say sorry and walk away.

It is actually forbidden to beg but those that beg when they are not in need will recieve even more of a severe punishment if they die without repenting.

And Allah knows best in all matters

 

[Abz2000]

it does come down to discretion and i agree with brother hamzah that food should be offered or proof required when in doubt, but we should never allow the criminal types who abuse the concept to destroy our humanity as there is usually more benefit in giving than not giving, surely we wouldn't kill a person just because he might​ be an enemy combatant or illegal invader.

7. They perform (their) vows, and they fear a Day whose evil flies far and wide.
8. And they feed, for the love of Allah, the indigent, the orphan, and the captive,-
9. (Saying),"We feed you for the sake of Allah alone: no reward do we desire from you, nor thanks.
10. "We only fear a Day of distressful Wrath from the side of our Lord."
11. But Allah will deliver them from the evil of that Day, and will shed over them a Light of Beauty and (blissful) Joy.
12. And because they were patient and constant, He will reward them with a Garden and (garments of) silk.
Quran 76:7-12

but i don't agree that it is forbidden:

Then eat thereof and feed therewith the poor having a hard time”
[al-Hajj 22:28]

“eat thereof, and feed the poor who does not ask, and the beggar who asks. Thus have We made them subject to you that you may be grateful”
[al-Hajj 22:36]

what is forbidden is abusing the concept by deception when not needy.