Oath on Begging

The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “There are three men about whom I can take an oath. No man’s wealth can be reduced by charity. Any man who shows patience in the face of oppression, will have Allah honour him. And a man who opens the door to begging, has Allah open on him the door to poverty and want.” [Ibn Majah]

It is against the honour of a Muslim to ask of others – let alone beg. This hadith tells us that begging brings us no benefit anyway. Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) guarantees that person poverty who begs from people instead of Allah.

If you want anything, pray and ask Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) for it directly. He is the source of everything.

Teach your children also to ask from Allah, rather than from you. Don’t direct them to your spouse; instead, show them the True Source of all their blessings. Teach them to thank the middlemen (such as yourself or your spouse), but ask only from Allah (subhana wa ta’ala). If it is written for them, Allah will put it in the heart of the person through whom it is to reach them.