The Difference between Fuqara and Miskeen
All Praises belongs to Allah the Most High. Allah is the One who sustains life and causes death. I bear witness that He is alone above His throne in a manner that befits His Majesty. I also attest to the fact that Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is His final Messenger sent to mankind and Jinn. To our topic:
This is part of a collection of terminology and vocabulary that the Muslim should know and understand. Included in this series is the difference between a Thikr and Dua the difference between a Masjid and Musalla the difference between Islam and Iman and various others. This definition and benefit was taken from The Permanent Committee for knowledge research and religious verdicts along with an extra point from Shyakh Muhammad ibn Salih Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him).
The selections in this series are my own based on what the ulema have mentioned in their books of Fiqh, Hadeeth, Usul and Tafseer. These definitions helped me to understand the language of the scholars better, in particularly religious verdicts. And I hope it will assist my brothers and sister as well. Ameen.
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Question: The words Fuqara and Miskeen are mentioned in the verse
As-Sadaqât (here it means Zakât) are only for the Fuqarâ’ (poor), and Al-Masâkin (the poor).[ Taubah 60]
We would like to know about the meaning of these two words found in the verse. What is the condition for giving either of them assistance? And what is intended by saying what suffices their needs?
Answer: The difference between the Faqir and Miskeen:
- The Faqir doesn’t possess enough provisions to meet his needs.
- The Miskeen has less of a need for assistance than the Faqir
This is the most correct meaning among the scholars. However some people of knowledge hold the opposite view. The Faqir and Miskeen are given assistance annually in order to meet their needs. Their situation must be examined, and they shouldn’t be given more than needed; as if he’s allowed to take extra he could become wealthy. People’s needs vary from city to city and village to village.
With Allah is the success. We ask Allah to bestow peace and blessings on our Prophet Muhammad, his family and companions.
The Permanent Committee for knowledge research and religious verdicts.
President Vice-President Member Member
Abdul Aziz bin Baz Abdur Razzaq Afeefe Abdullah Ghudayan Abdullah Qa’oud
Extra point of benefit:
- If these two words are mentioned separately the meanings for both of them are intended. And if they are mentioned together they have their own meanings. This resembles words like Iman and Islam. http://www.ibnothaimeen.com/all/noor/article_2097.shtml
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Translated and compiled by Abu Aaliyah Abdullah ibn Dwight Battle-Adam
Doha, Qatar © 17-12-1429