Islam teaches Muslims to treat the poor and less fortunate with profound compassion, justice, and respect, considering it a fundamental religious obligation, not merely optional kindness. All human beings possess inherent dignity, regardless of their wealth or social status. 

Islam commands us to uphold the dignity of every human being, including beggars. Charity is encouraged, but if we are unable to give, we should excuse ourselves with politeness. Even after giving, we are forbidden from insulting or belittling the beggar, for kindness and respect are integral to true charity.

Islam teaches us not to mistreat beggars. If we cannot give, we should decline with kind words, for the Qur’an says: “Kind speech and forgiveness are better than charity followed by injury” (2:263). Even when we do give, we are forbidden from insulting or humiliating the beggar, as “do not repel the beggar” (93:10) reminds us. True charity is rooted in respect, sincerity, and compassion.

• Surah Al-Baqarah (2:263) “Kind speech and forgiveness are better than charity followed by injury. And Allah is Free of need and Forbearing.” → This verse directly teaches that politeness and forgiveness outweigh material charity if the latter is accompanied by harshness or humiliation.
• Surah Al-Baqarah (2:264) “O you who have believed, do not invalidate your charities with reminders or injury, like one who spends his wealth only to be seen by the people and does not believe in Allah and the Last Day…” → Here, the Qur’an warns that insulting or reminding others of your generosity nullifies the spiritual reward of charity.
• Surah Ad-Duha (93:10) “And do not repel the beggar.” → A simple but powerful command: beggars must not be mistreated or turned away harshly.
• Surah Al-Insan (76:8–9) “And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [saying], ‘We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.’” → This verse highlights the spirit of charity: giving with sincerity, without expecting thanks or showing superiority.

Core Principles

• Inherent Dignity and Equality: Islam emphasizes that all people are created with inherent human dignity and honor lies in one’s piety and good deeds, not wealth or social standing. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) actively sat and ate with the poor, reinforcing the value of equality and warning against arrogance towards them.
• A Right, Not Just Charity: The Quran states that in the wealth of the affluent there is a “recognized right” for the needy and deprived. This means supporting the poor is a mandatory responsibility placed upon the community, not just an act of generosity.
• Communal Responsibility: Muslims are taught to be sensitive to the problems of others and that the community is like one body, where if one limb is injured, the rest responds with support. Neglecting the poor is considered a moral failure and a sin that attracts divine warning.
• Protection from Exploitation: Islam strictly forbids exploiting the poor, such as through unfair wages or delayed payments to workers. The aim is to lift them out of poverty with dignity, offering access to opportunities like education and fair employment. 

Practical Applications

Islam institutionalizes care for the poor through several mechanisms: 

• Zakat (Obligatory Charity): This is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, a mandatory annual payment of 2.5% of a Muslim’s surplus wealth to specific beneficiaries including the poor and needy. This formal system helps ensure wealth redistribution.
• Sadaqah (Voluntary Charity): This is any voluntary act of charity or kindness beyond Zakat, which is highly encouraged and can be given at any time and in any form (money, food, a kind word, or even a smile).
• Waqf (Endowments): The establishment of charitable endowments (like for schools or shelters) is encouraged as a form of ongoing charity that provides sustainable support to the community.
• Personal and State Responsibility: The obligation extends from individuals to the state, which has a duty to ensure a minimum standard of living for all its residents, including non-Muslims. 

In essence, the Islamic teaching is to not only provide for the immediate needs of the poor but to do so with the highest level of respect, actively working to eliminate the causes of poverty and injustice in society. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is reported to have said, “He is not a believer who fills his stomach while his neighbor goes hungry”. 

Islam taught us not to mistreat the Beggers. If we could not donate, just apologize politely and prohibid us from insulting the Begger even after donation. 

Rich or poor and the Ruler or beggar could pray side by side in the front row of the Masjid.