SHOULD I GIVE TO BEGGARS?

In school, some of my students asked me whether they should give to beggars. I said no. I have learned that "beggars are better dead" (Words of Wisdom, Old Testament). But, If you have some jobs for them to do, let them do the work. Do not be bothered whether the work is light or heavy, or that it will just take fewer hours than what you will have to pay. Right before they could dry up their hands, pay them for the day's work.

Further, the students insisted, what if we do not have any work for them to do. I said, then, do not give. Is this not greed? They asked. I said no, if you too did not take more than what you need. If you have only what you need to live for a day, then, there is no mistake in that. But, if you have hoarded, that is another story. Rather than keeping your money in can, let it grow and multiply. Many will no longer beg because they will find work and be compensated.

DONATIONS AND SHARING

From my point of view, donations should not be found in the vocabulary of Muslims. This is because sharing what we have to fellow believers is obligatory. This is only in addition to the fact that everything we do is in the name of Allah and for the pleasure of Allah. And that, not one permanently owns anything, but, is just a temporary custodian. However, at the height of fame and wealth, while it it correct to find joy in it, many forget and overlook, so that good deeds are overshadowed by personal desire to have and to keep for the mites, the insect, the waters, the wind, and the microorganisms to devour. It is well to remember that king Solomon and all his glory went down with him under the soil. Only maggots were the first witnesses to his death. And, only the worms and microbes found joy and amusements in his flesh. Perhaps, the idea of donations and sharing should not be mixed up by a believer so that good deeds will prevail and thus serve as inspiration by most young people in the community.