Asking Without Need is Humiliation

Author: Fazeelat al-Sheikh Hafiz Abdul Sattar Hamad (Hafidhahullah)

Hadith Reference​

الْيَدُ الْعُلْيَا خَيْرٌ مِنَ الْيَدِ السُّفْلَى

"The upper hand is better than the lower hand."
— [Sahih Bukhari, Kitab al-Zakah: 1429]

Key Points​

❀ Explanation of the Hadith:
Abdullah ibn Umar (RA) narrates that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ once sat on the pulpit and spoke about giving charity, refraining from asking, and avoiding begging. During his sermon, he ﷺ said:
"The upper hand is better than the lower hand. The upper hand is the one that gives, while the lower hand is the one that asks."

This Hadith emphasizes the virtue of being generous and self-sufficient. It also highlights the humiliation associated with begging without genuine need.

The Disgrace of Unnecessary Begging​

✔ A Mark of Humiliation:
The one who gives is honored, while the one who asks unnecessarily faces humiliation and loss of dignity.

✔ Consequences in the Hereafter:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Whoever persistently asks (without need) will come on the Day of Judgment with no flesh on their face."
— [Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Zakah: 103]

✔ Begging as a Form of Harm:
The Prophet ﷺ further elaborated:
"The one who begs to increase their wealth is only asking for burning coals. It is up to them to collect more or less of it."
— [Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Zakah: 105]

Contemporary Challenges​

In today’s society, professional beggars and individuals who engage in dignified begging, despite their ability to earn, are common. Alarmingly, some even misuse religion as a tool to manipulate others for financial gain. This not only brings humiliation but also leads to deceit and exploitation of others.

Lessons for Believers​

1. Embrace Generosity:
   Believers should strive to be among those who give rather than those who take.
2. Avoid Begging Without Necessity:
   Unnecessary begging is not just a disgrace in this world but will also lead to punishment in the Hereafter.
3. Reject Deception and Manipulation:
   Begging, especially when paired with dishonesty and exploitation, is a severe transgression. Believers must avoid such behavior and rely on honest means to earn a livelihood.
4. Pray for Protection:
   It is essential to seek Allah's refuge from the humiliation of begging and the trials of dishonesty.

Conclusion​

The teachings of the Prophet ﷺ guide us to uphold our dignity and avoid unnecessary reliance on others. Begging without a legitimate need leads to disgrace in this world and severe consequences in the Hereafter. Muslims are encouraged to work honestly, give generously, and preserve their self-respect, praying for Allah’s protection from such humiliation.