Question :
In a country which I’m in, the government forbids begging in the masaajid and also they forbid in aiding them and giving them. So, do I obey the government in this?
Answer :
They are not to be obeyed in this. For indeed the doing of the good and aiding someone in need this is something that is needed and required. And Allah subhaanahu wa ta ala has ordered to do this and this is from the means of attaining much good and raising one in levels in it.
As for that which takes place from mistakes in the masaajid from those that are begging, then they are to be advised that they do not bother the people who are praying in the masaajid. As for if they are being repelled or thrown out, then this is not allowed due to the saying of Allah : Surah Ad-Dhuha, Verse 9:
فَأَمَّا الْيَتِيمَ فَلَا تَقْهَرْ
Therefore, treat not the orphan with oppression,
Surah Ad-Dhuha, Verse 10:
وَأَمَّا السَّائِلَ فَلَا تَنْهَرْ
And repulse not the beggar;
(English – Mohsin Khan)
Also, it is befitting for those who have the ability in giving and doing good, that they look out for the needy ones from their neighbors and those who are in need. This is because the one who is in need, does not act that way except that he is in need most of the time.
As for if it’s known as in the case that this individual is asking the people and begging them for their wealth, happens to be an individual who isn’t truthful in his claims and his stories. Then it is for the leader, that he chastise him. And also for the ones who call to good and forbids the evil, that they chastise this individual. As for this being generalized for all of them and all of them being chastised for refraining from being given the good, then this is not correct.
Answered by : Shaykh Abdullah Aryani