Sayyiduna Samurah bin Jundub (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "Begging is a scratch, through which a person scratches his own face. So whoever wishes, let him leave it on his face, and whoever wishes, let him abandon it. However, it is permissible to ask from the ruler (or the relevant government official from government revenue) or in a situation of extreme necessity."