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AlGhazalisIhya-Book_of_Zakat_and_Charity, page : 15
apart from the expectation of gratitude and risk of hypocrisy, there is a third
danger in visible charity, namely that of offending a poor man‟s dignity. It may be
hurtful to him to be seen to be needy. But someone who begs in public is
bringing the disgrace upon himself, there is therefore no sense in being wary.
Consider similar cases: It is forbidden to expose a person‟s vice so long as he
keeps it private, and it is equally prohibited to spy on him and gossip about it. A
flagrant offender, on the other hand, has only himself to blame when he suffers
the penalty of public disgrace. Of like import are the words of the Prophet, praise
and peace be upon him, “He who casts off the garments of shame has no cause
to complain of slander.” Allah, the Almighty said:
“…and spend of what We have given them in private and in public …” (Koran
Ch.13 verse 22)
He commends giving in public, also, because this has the advantage of
encouraging others. His worshiper should therefore take careful stock, weighing
this benefits against the risks involved, for the situation varies from case to case
danger in visible charity, namely that of offending a poor man‟s dignity. It may be
hurtful to him to be seen to be needy. But someone who begs in public is
bringing the disgrace upon himself, there is therefore no sense in being wary.
Consider similar cases: It is forbidden to expose a person‟s vice so long as he
keeps it private, and it is equally prohibited to spy on him and gossip about it. A
flagrant offender, on the other hand, has only himself to blame when he suffers
the penalty of public disgrace. Of like import are the words of the Prophet, praise
and peace be upon him, “He who casts off the garments of shame has no cause
to complain of slander.” Allah, the Almighty said:
“…and spend of what We have given them in private and in public …” (Koran
Ch.13 verse 22)
He commends giving in public, also, because this has the advantage of
encouraging others. His worshiper should therefore take careful stock, weighing
this benefits against the risks involved, for the situation varies from case to case