There are many individuals and even countries who instead of working by themselves or tapping their own abundant resources, though by hard way, resort to beggary or asking for loans and aids from other countries. Loans from others not only continue to pile up including interest, for which more loans are sought to pay the mere interest of previous loans. This results in piling of loans which lazy countries who spend more on their leisure rather than spending to tap their resources, and finally find them bankrupt and losers.
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) provided several teachings regarding beggary, emphasizing the importance of self-reliance and hard work over begging. He encouraged Muslims to avoid beggary unless absolutely necessary and praised the dignity of earning one's own livelihood through honest labor. He has always asserted to earn a living by one's own hand rather than looking up to others to throws a morsel or a penny for them.
The essence of such hadiths is as under:
Role Models from Prophets: The mention of Prophet Dawud (David) earning his living through manual labor serves as an example and inspiration for Muslims to follow. It shows that even prophets engaged in work and did not rely on others for their sustenance.
Self-Reliance and Dignity: These hadiths emphasize the dignity of earning one's own livelihood through hard work and effort. It is considered more honorable and rewarding to work and earn one's living than to depend on others through begging.
Value of Honest Labor: The hadiths highlight that engaging in honest labor, even if it involves physically demanding tasks like gathering firewood, is preferable to begging. This underscores the value Islam places on self-sufficiency and integrity.
Encouragement of Economic Activity: These teachings encourage economic activity and personal responsibility within the Muslim community. They promote a work ethic that values productivity and self-reliance.
Consequences of Unnecessary Begging: Begging to accumulate wealth is strongly discouraged, with the Prophet (ﷺ) warning that it is akin to collecting live coals, symbolizing the harm it brings to one's spiritual well-being.
Exceptions to the Rule: There are exceptions where begging may be permitted, such as when one is in dire need or when seeking help from a ruler or authority figure for a legitimate need.
Some of the Hadiths attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ with references and links shared herein under provide you with accurate and authentic sources for the hadiths emphasizing the importance of working hard to earn a living over resorting to beggary:
Narrated Al-Miqdam: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Nobody has ever eaten a better meal than that which one has earned by working with one's own hands. The Prophet of Allah, David, used to eat from the earnings of his manual labor." (Reference: Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 3, Book 34, Hadith 2072)
Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "No doubt, it is better for any one of you to cut a bundle of wood and carry it over his back rather than to ask someone who may or may not give him." (Reference: Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 3, Book 34, Hadith 2074)
We see around a lot of able bodied men and women, even children asking for charity and alms, while they are physically strong to do some work as labourer and earn a Halal living. But they resort to beggary for it is easy money earned, but forget the fate of those who earn Haram money and will be asked on the Day of Judgement.
The above quoted Hadiths underscores the value of self-reliance, dignity, and hard work in Islam. It teaches that even menial labor is preferable to begging and emphasizes the importance of earning one's own livelihood through honest means. These hadith aligns with the broader Islamic principles of self-respect, responsibility, and community welfare.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.
Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for more Hadiths on the General Subjects.
For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.
Photo | Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors. If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.
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