Chapter 319 - About Begging in the Name of Allah

Jabir said: The Messenger of Allah said,

"No one should ask in the Face of Allah for anything except Jannah.'' [Abu Dawud].


Commentary:

Sheikh Al-Albani has stated with regard to this Hadith the following points:

First, this Hadith is weak in authority.

Second, even if its authority is taken to be correct, then begging in the Name of Allah for worldly needs is prohibited; but how can the begging of good of the Hereafter, guidance and the path to Jannah becomes prohibited? Nevertheless, begging in the Name of Allah for worldly gains is disapproved.

Ibn `Umar (Radhi Allahu Huma) said: The Messenger of Allah said,

"Grant shelter to him who begs for it in the Name of Allah, give to him who begs in the Name of Allah, accept the invitation of him who invites you, and requite him who does a favour to you, but if you are unable to requite him, go on praying for him till you are sure that you have requited him adequately.'' [Abu Dawud and An-Nasa'i].


Commentary:

The following points are clear from this Hadith:

First, supplicating for safety and asking in the Name of Allah is endorsed.

Second, if a person begs in the Name of Allah, he should not be turned down. He must be given something to honour the Name of Allah. However, if one is sure that the petitioner is a professional beggar and does not stand in need of what he is begging, then it is better to turn him down in order to discourage the evil of begging in the society.

Third, one should return kindness, with kindness but if one is unable to do so then one should wholeheartedly pray for the benefactor because this is also a form of returning a kindness.

Fourth, one must accept invitation to a feast provided it is free from all things forbidden by Islam.