One is not allowed to ask

It is better to ask than to steal. This statement is correct in its context but asking also is a disgrace if it is done without any necessity. According to the Shari'ah, it is not permissible to ask if one has sufficient to satisfy one's needs for a day. Likewise, it is not allowed to give such a person when he asks because it will be an encouragement to do that which is not allowed. On the day of Qiyaamah, there will be people who will be presented with faces without flesh. They are people who ask without being in need. Likewise, someone who enjoys good health and can work to earn a living has no right to beg. Neither is it permissible to give him when he asks.

As for helping such a person without the latter having asked then this is permissible and it is appreciable if one does it with the intention of relieving his burden and helping him to practice and propagate his Deen.

We should know how to differentiate between the two: between not having the right to beg and the right to take without asking. For example someone is poor because Zakaat, Fitrah etc. is not obligatory on him. He has enough to be able to live for a day. Thus, such a person has neither the right to ask nor is it permissible to give him when he asks. But one has the right to give him without him asking and in this case he has the right to accept it also. However if a person has debt or other expenses or rent, water, electricity, etc. to pay and he does not have the means, then he has the right to seek the help of someone. Likewise he has the right to seek help from an organisation or a society also.

To beg without any need emanates from greed which is very detestable. This makes the person unworthy and there is no Barakah in what he accumulates by begging. It is good to know that according to Hadith, a truly rich person is the one who has freed himself of greed and not the one who possesses a lot.

[English version of "Pas gagne droit dimandé" – Al Jamiat – Vol.6 No.14]