12/34. Chapter:
Sahih Muslim 1039b — Miskin Is the One Who Abstains
The poor person who cannot find enough to make him independent of means, but the people do not realize that he is in need, so they do not give Charity to him
Hadith About Miskin and Abstaining From Begging
Sahih Muslim : 1039b
Sahih MuslimHadith Number 1039b
حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ أَيُّوبَ، وَقُتَيْبَةُ بْنُ سَعِيدٍ، قَالَ ابْنُ أَيُّوبَ حَدَّثَنَا إِسْمَاعِيلُ، - وَهُوَ ابْنُ جَعْفَرٍ - أَخْبَرَنِي شَرِيكٌ، عَنْ عَطَاءِ بْنِ يَسَارٍ، مَوْلَى مَيْمُونَةَ عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ " لَيْسَ الْمِسْكِينُ بِالَّذِي تَرُدُّهُ التَّمْرَةُ وَالتَّمْرَتَانِ وَلاَ اللُّقْمَةُ وَاللُّقْمَتَانِ إِنَّمَا الْمِسْكِينُ الْمُتَعَفِّفُ اقْرَءُوا إِنْ شِئْتُمْ { لاَ يَسْأَلُونَ النَّاسَ إِلْحَافًا} " .
Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: Miskin is not he who is dismissed with one or two dates, and with one morsel or two morsels. (In fact) miskin is he who abstains (from begging). Read if you so desire (the verse):" They beg not of men importunately)" (ii. 273).
[1] Al-Baqarah 2:273.Reference : Sahih Muslim 1039bIn-book reference : Book 12, Hadith 131USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 5, Hadith 2262
Summary of Sahih Muslim Hadith 1039b
This hadith about miskin and abstaining from begging gives a focused definition. The Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) says that the miskin is not the one who is turned away with one or two dates or one or two morsels. Rather, the miskin is the one who abstains from begging. The narration also points to the verse, “They beg not of men importunately.” The meaning is simple: poverty is not always loud or visible. Some people in real need keep their dignity and do not press others for help. This hadith encourages careful attention to people who may need support but do not openly ask for it. It also praises restraint from persistent begging.
What we learn from this hadith
- The miskin may be someone who does not openly beg.
- Abstaining from begging is highlighted in the hadith.
- Small handouts to public beggars do not define true poverty.
- The hadith points attention toward people with hidden need.
