Giving money to women beggars

Q:

1. Is it ok to give sadaqah to the beggars that stand outside the masjid and on street corners?

2. According to my understanding, in Islam, women are not required to work to provide for themselves even if they are young and fit enough to work. So will it be permissible to give sadaqah to women beggars with this intention or will I be encouraging them to beg?

A:

1. If they seem to be needy then there is no problem.

2. You can give them if they are in need.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

 

Answered by:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)