23/92. Chapter:
Sunan an-Nasai 2599 — Begging Leaves Marks
A Man Asking A Sultan (For Help)
Hadith About Begging and Lacerations on the Face
Sunan an-Nasai : 2599
Sunan an-NasaiHadith Number 2599
أَخْبَرَنَا أَحْمَدُ بْنُ سُلَيْمَانَ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ بِشْرٍ، قَالَ أَنْبَأَنَا شُعْبَةُ، عَنْ عَبْدِ الْمَلِكِ، عَنْ زَيْدِ بْنِ عُقْبَةَ، عَنْ سَمُرَةَ بْنِ جُنْدُبٍ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم " إِنَّ الْمَسَائِلَ كُدُوحٌ يَكْدَحُ بِهَا الرَّجُلُ وَجْهَهُ فَمَنْ شَاءَ كَدَحَ وَجْهَهُ وَمَنْ شَاءَ تَرَكَ إِلاَّ أَنْ يَسْأَلَ الرَّجُلُ ذَا سُلْطَانٍ أَوْ شَيْئًا لاَ يَجِدُ مِنْهُ بُدًّا " .
Samura b. Jundub Narrated from:
The Messenger of Allah said: "Every time a man begs, it will turn into lacerations on his face (on the Day of Resurrection). So whoever wants his face to be lacerated (let him ask), and whoever does not want that (let him not ask): except in the case of a man who asks a Sultan, or he asks when he can find no alternative."'
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 2599In-book reference : Book 23, Hadith 165English translation : Vol. 3, Book 23, Hadith 2600
Summary of Sunan an-Nasai Hadith 2599
This hadith about begging and lacerations on the face gives a serious warning. The Prophet said that every time a man begs, it will turn into lacerations on his face on the Day of Resurrection. Then the hadith mentions exceptions: asking a Sultan, meaning a man in authority, or asking when there is no alternative. This wording is important because it warns against avoidable begging while still recognizing cases of real need. The person is told that whoever wants his face lacerated may ask, and whoever does not want that should leave it. The main lesson is to avoid begging unless one falls under the stated exceptions.
What we learn from this hadith
- Begging without need is linked to lacerations on the face in the Hereafter.
- The hadith mentions exceptions for authority and unavoidable need.
- A person should avoid asking when there is another way.
