12/35. Chapter:
Sahih Muslim 1042c — Carrying Firewood Over Begging
It is disliked to beg from people
Hadith About Carrying Firewood and Avoiding Begging
Sahih Muslim : 1042c
Sahih MuslimHadith Number 1042c
حَدَّثَنِي أَبُو الطَّاهِرِ، وَيُونُسُ بْنُ عَبْدِ الأَعْلَى، قَالاَ حَدَّثَنَا ابْنُ وَهْبٍ، أَخْبَرَنِي عَمْرُو، بْنُ الْحَارِثِ عَنِ ابْنِ شِهَابٍ، عَنْ أَبِي عُبَيْدٍ، مَوْلَى عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنِ عَوْفٍ أَنَّهُ سَمِعَ أَبَا هُرَيْرَةَ، يَقُولُ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم " لأَنْ يَحْتَزِمَ أَحَدُكُمْ حُزْمَةً مِنْ حَطَبٍ فَيَحْمِلَهَا عَلَى ظَهْرِهِ فَيَبِيعَهَا خَيْرٌ لَهُ مِنْ أَنْ يَسْأَلَ رَجُلاً يُعْطِيهِ أَوْ يَمْنَعُهُ " .
Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: It is better for any one of you to tie a bundle of firewood and carry it on his back and sell it than to beg a person, he may give or may refuse.
Reference : Sahih Muslim 1042cIn-book reference : Book 12, Hadith 139USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 5, Hadith 2269
Summary of Sahih Muslim Hadith 1042c
This hadith about carrying firewood and avoiding begging gives a clear comparison. The Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) says it is better for any one of you to tie a bundle of firewood, carry it on his back, and sell it than to beg a person who may give or refuse. The hadith honors effort, even when the work seems hard or simple. It also shows that depending on people can place a person in an uncertain and humbling position. The lesson is not about looking down on those in real need. Rather, the text praises a person who chooses work and self-reliance instead of asking when he can earn. It teaches dignity through effort.
What we learn from this hadith
- Carrying and selling firewood is praised over unnecessary begging.
- Work is honored even when it is physically hard.
- Begging leaves a person dependent on another’s choice.
- The hadith encourages dignity through effort.
