(57) Chapter: Contentment and Self-esteem and avoidance of unnecessary begging of People

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "A needy person is not the one who goes from door to door, begging and is turned away with a morsel or two or with a date or two. But a needy person is the one who does not have enough to live upon, and neither from his appearance it occurs that he is needy and should be given alms, nor does he himself beg anything from others."

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].


Commentary: The professional beggars and the truly needy have clearly been identified here. The point is that we should try to find out deserving people and spend on them. Because, despite being needy, they do not wear a professional look nor do they approach anybody to receive alms. In no way will it be counted as charity if we satisfy ourselves by giving a few coins to a professional beggar whom we come across on the road