Seeking academic scholarship in Islam

16-5-2005 | IslamWeb

Question:

Please is seeking for academic scholarship grant regarded as begging in Islam?
Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) is His slave and Messenger.

 

In Islam it is forbidden to beg with the exception of a person whose circumstances force him to do so.

Imaam Al-Bukhari and Muslim may Allaah have mercy upon them reported that Qabeesa may Allaah be pleased with him narrated that the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: “Begging is not permissible but for one of the three following (classes) of people: a person who has been smitten by poverty, the genuineness of which is confirmed by three members of his people, for him begging is permissible till he gets what will support him, or will provide him subsistence……”

As regards applying for a grant, the matter is different. The applicant needs only to fulfil the conditions of the institution which offers this grant, to be permissible and not cheat or forge any document in order to get this grant.

Allaah Knows best.

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