The Ruling on the Phenomenon of Begging and Giving to Beggars

Question:
As for the first question of this night, the questioner asks: What is the ruling on the widespread phenomenon of begging among Muslims, especially in the Holy Makkah and in the Sacred Mosque, both inside and outside the Haram? And do we give to these beggars who approach people in the streets?

Answer:
The default is that asking people for money is forbidden; this is the default. It is not permissible to ask people for their money; this is the default. It is only permissible in cases of dire necessity; it is permissible to ask people for some money in cases of dire necessity and pressing need. So, if a person is not in need, and his purpose in asking is to increase his wealth and gather coins, and he is wealthy, then what he takes from people is illicit and forbidden. As the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said: And he (peace and blessings be upon him) said: And in the hadith: So, when he obtains what suffices his need, he stops and does not continue asking. Or, a person is struck by a calamity that destroys his wealth; a wealthy person’s wealth is destroyed in an instant by fire or drowning, and he becomes poor. It is permissible for him to ask until he obtains what covers his need, because he has become poor. Or, a person takes on a burden, meaning a debt, and he has no means to pay it off. If the debt is for himself, such as debts he owes to people, and he has no means to pay these debts, and their owners are demanding them, then he may ask until he obtains what he uses to pay off this calamity or this debt. As for a debt taken on for the sake of making peace between people—for the sake of making peace between people—he is given from the zakah what pays off this burden, even if he is wealthy. He does not bear the debt from his own money because he is a doer of good, and he is supported in his good deed. So, the result is that the default is the prohibition of asking people for their money, except in cases of dire necessity for a poor person who is unable to earn. A poor person who has nothing and is unable to earn. But if he has the ability to earn and there are opportunities for earning, it is not permissible for him to ask. He should work and eat from the sweat of his brow. The Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said: So, if a person is able to earn and there are opportunities for earning, it is not permissible for him to ask. Rather, he must work, labor, and eat from his earnings and the sweat of his brow. Yes. As for giving to the beggar, the beggar has a right; he is given, and he bears the responsibility. If he is truthful, there is no sin on him. If he is truthful that he is in need and unable to earn, there is no sin on him; he is permitted to do so. But if he is lying, the sin is on him; the sin is on him, and what he takes is forbidden. It is not permissible for him to eat it, save it, or do anything with it; it is forbidden for him. Yes.