Fath al-Rabbani

Benefits: … The translation of this hadith of Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Mas'ud radi Allahu anhu is as follows: The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: "The needy (miskin) is not the one who goes around (begging), nor is the needy the one to whom one or two dates or one or two morsels are returned; rather, the needy is the one who refrains (from asking), that is, the one who does not ask people for anything, nor can his poverty be recognized so that charity may be given to him."

Benefits: … From these ahadith it is understood that the needy (miskin) is the one who neither possesses enough wealth to suffice him, nor is his condition such that people can recognize his poverty, nor does he ask people. This is the original and complete definition of the needy (miskin). As for the issue of the poor (faqir), it should be said that the person who is not wealthy (ghani), that is, who does not possess sufficient means to meet his needs, he will be considered poor (faqir). The amount that constitutes being wealthy (ghani) is mentioned in hadith number (3502). In simple terms, it can be said that in the meanings of both faqir and miskin, it is definite that those who are in need and are deprived of the required amount and resources to fulfill their needs and necessities are called faqir and miskin. The meaning of these ahadith cannot be stated as that the person who asks from people should not be given anything; in reality, the person who is permitted to ask and receive zakat is the one whose income does not cover his legitimate expenses. However, if he remains patient and refrains from asking, then this will be his virtue.