He reported God’s messenger as saying, "The poor man (miskin) is not the one who goes round to people and is dismissed with one or two morsels, and one or two dates, but is he who does not get enough to satisfy him, is not taken notice of so that alms may be given him, yet does not get up and beg from people.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)
Hadith Commentary on Zakat from Mishkat al-Masabih 1828
This noble hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, recorded in Mishkat al-Masabih under the book of Zakat, clarifies the true definition of a miskin (poor person) in Islamic law. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) distinguishes between the apparent beggar and the genuinely deserving recipient of zakat.
Definition of the True Miskin
The Prophet negates the common understanding that a miskin is merely one who openly begs. Rather, the true miskin is one whose poverty is hidden - they possess insufficient wealth to meet their basic needs, yet their condition remains unnoticed by others.
Such a person maintains their dignity by not exposing their need publicly, unlike the professional beggar who makes their poverty apparent through constant solicitation.
Scholarly Analysis of Poverty Levels
Classical scholars explain that Islam recognizes two levels of poverty: the faqir (destitute) who has nothing, and the miskin (poor) who has some means but insufficient for basic requirements. This hadith specifically addresses the latter category.
The miskin described here possesses noble character - they endure hardship patiently without compromising their self-respect through public begging, making them more deserving of community support.
Practical Implications for Zakat Distribution
This teaching obligates Muslims to proactively seek out and assist the hidden poor rather than waiting for them to ask. The community must develop systems to identify those who are too dignified to beg.
Zakat administrators should prioritize such individuals, as their silent suffering represents a greater claim on communal resources than those who openly solicit without genuine need.