سنن نسائی · Hadith 2586

It was narrated that Qubaisah bin Mukhariq said: “I undertook a financial responsibility, then I came to the Prophet tk and asked him (for help) concerning that. He said: ‘Hold on, Qubaisah! When we get some charity we will give you some.’ Then the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم said: ‘Qubaisah, charity is not permissible except for one of three: A man who undertakes a financial responsibility, so it is permissible for him to be given charity until he finds means to make him independent and to suffice him; a man who was stricken by calamity and his wealth was destroyed, so it is permissible for him to ask for help until he has enough to keep him going, then he should refrain from asking; and a man who is stricken with poverty and three wise men from among his own people testify that so-and-so is in desperate need, then it is permissible for him to ask for help until he finds means to make him independent and to suffice him. Asking for help in cases other than these, Qubaisah, is unlawful, and the one who takes it is consuming it unlawfully.” (Sahih)

Translated by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan · Reviewed by Islamic University of Madinah · Published March 2020