(33) Chapter: Benevolent Treatment towards Orphans, Girls, the Weak, the Poor and the Humble Persons

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "A Miskin (needy) is not the one who can be turned away with a date-fruit or two, or a morsel or two. The true Miskin is one who, despite his poverty, abstains from begging".

[Al- Bukhari and Muslim].

In another narration Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, " A Miskin is not the one who goes round begging from people and who can be turned away with a morsel or two, or a date-fruit or two. A true Miskin is he who does not find enough to suffice him, does not disclose his poverty so that he might be given alms, and does not stand up to beg".

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: This Hadith throws light on a very important problem relating to beggars who go door to door
begging. They are, in fact, not poor because they accumulate a lot of wealth through small amounts which they collect every day. The real needy and poor are those who are not well-to-do, but their appearance and dress hide their poverty. Their self-respect does not permit them to make a request for help. The real purport of this Hadith is that it is the latter category of poor people, with a sense of self-respect, who should be given preference in financial help over the professional beggars because it is they who are really poor.