Is there a Hadith that prohibits begging?
ANSWER
There are numerous warnings in Hadith against persistent begging. Among them are the following:
1) Sayyiduna Abu Sa’id Al Khudri (radiyallahu ‘anhu) says,
“Some of the people of the Ansar asked something from Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), and he gave it to them. Then they again asked him and he gave them until he had spent everything he had. He then said, “If I had anything more, I would not withhold it from you. If someone refrains from begging, Allah will spare him from needing to ask. If someone wants to be independent, Allah will make him so…”
(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 1469)
2) Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
“By the One in whose hand my life is, it is better for one of you to take a rope and carry firewood on his back than for him to go to someone and beg, who will either give him or refuse to give him anything.”
(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 1470 and Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 1042)
3) Sayyiduna Hakim ibn Hizam (radiyallahu ‘anhu) says:
“I asked Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) for something, and he gave to me. I asked him a second and third time, he gave me as well. The third time he said,
‘O Hakim, this wealth is lush and sweet. Anyone who takes it (without greed) will be blessed in it but anyone who takes it in a desirous way will not be blessed in it, just like someone who eats and is not satisfied. The upper hand (the hand that gives) is better than the lower hand (the hand that receives).’”
Hakim (radiyallahu ‘anhu) says, “I said, ‘O Rasulullah, by the One who sent you with the Truth, I will never again ask anyone for anything until I leave this world.’”…
(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 1472)
4) Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
“A man who continues to beg, will not have any flesh on his face on the Day of Qiyamah”
(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 1474 and Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 1040)
Note: The above warnings are for those who are able to earn a livelihood, and thereby have no excuse for begging.
However, when we are approached by beggars, we should not reproach them. Either donate something or speak what is good or politely excuse yourself.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala