Third Reflection: Self-Sufficiency and Dignity(1)

Evidences: Allāh, the Most High, says: "They do not beg from people persistently." [Al-Baqarah: 273] The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever seeks to be self-sufficient, Allāh will make him self-sufficient." [Agreed upon, from Abū Sa’eed Al-Khudri] He also said: "The upper hand is better than the lower hand." [Agreed upon, from Ḥakīm and Abū Hurairah] Lessons and Rulings: -> Self-sufficiency is a cause of richness. -> One should avoid extending their hand to people, whether they give or withhold. -> It is improper to insistently ask for worldly matters, whether for oneself or others. Assessing Charity Organisations in Light of These Principles: -> Members of charity organisations have normalised asking people for money, often persistently (2). -> This practice has become an act of worship for them, seeking reward under the pretext of "collecting for others". -> They misuse texts encouraging charity(3) and develop various fundraising techniques and strategies(4). Discussion: Objection: How can you apply texts discouraging begging to us when we do not ask for ourselves but for the needy and acts of charity? Response: 1. It is well known that no one among you works in a charity organisation without benefitting personally under the guise of العاملين عليها “and those employed to collect it”(5) 2. The salaries and financial compensations you receive from these organisations originate from the very funds that you have persistently and loudly appealed for from the pulpits, crying out in anguish over the plight of the poor, the needy, the afflicted, and others. 3. Who has permitted you to ask on behalf of others in this manner, persistently pressing the wealthy and the public for donations, as will be discussed later? None of the Companions—neither Ahluṣ-Ṣuffah(6) nor any others—made begging from people, nor insistently asking through pleading or solicitation, a profession or trade, relying on it as a means of livelihood. Sheikh Al-Islam (may Allāh have mercy on him) stated this in Majmū’ Al-Fatāwā, vol. 11, p. 46. Another might argue: "And how, then, were your centres established, and how were many of your da’wah projects funded?" I respond: The difference between us and you is clear. We do not ask, nor do we extend our hands in request. What comes from the people of goodwill, free from any suspicion, we accept, and what does not, we reject. By the grace of Allāh, He continues to provide for His religion and its support through righteous men. There are those who observe, listen, and witness the benefits—both public and private—of our da’wah efforts and centres, and they recognise our self-restraint. This moves them to give willingly from what Allāh has granted them. We express gratitude in times of ease and remain patient in times of hardship, and our da’wah stands firm in both circumstances. ___ (1) https://t.me/madrasatuna/2373 (2) Especially in Ramaḍhān (3) For instance, I recently came across a post titled "Clarifying Misconceptions: Public Donations for Masjid Construction Are Not Begging or a Hizbi Practice." The article presents 14 pieces of evidence that fail to support the author's objective of legitimising the establishment of a charity organisation and the solicitation of funds. Instead, the evidences direct to general acts of charity and good intercession—matters that are agreed upon and unrelated to the actual discussion. (4) Such as producing documentaries, organising football matches for men and netball tournaments for women, hosting food bazaars, and travelling from masjid to masjid, city to city, and even from country to country (as Sheikh Muqbil mentioned), etc. (5) https://t.me/almanhajussalafi/1346 (6) A group of poor Companions who resided in a shaded area at the back of Masjid An-Nabawi. Did the Prophet ﷺ create a charity organisation for them?