What Would Make You Refuse to Give Food to Someone if They Asked?

When someone asks for a loaf of bread or some amount of money to meet their hunger, some people give without hesitation, while others refuse. This can often lead to a complex ethical dilemma, especially in the realm of food charity. Islam, for instance, has stressed the importance of giving to the needy. The life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is filled with instances where he distributed his food to beggars, even when he himself was hungry.

Is it because of a lack of food or a lack of trust in their credibility as needy individuals?

Stories of giving and serving

Wasif Ali Wasif noted the importance of giving and serving others. He mentioned the attitude of those who make it a habit to disturb individuals' lives, asking for money at all times and falsely claiming the need. This behavior often results in people refusing to help, as it goes against the teachings of charitable figures like saints.

Personal experiences

A past pastor with 27 years of service has seen both the positive side and the negative side of food assistance. They have participated in various food ministries and have found it heartwarming to address humanity's most basic needs. However, they have also encountered individuals without real needs, who were attempting to “shoplift” food and other resources meant for those in genuine distress.

If you are a person who has served in various food aid organizations, you understand the importance of genuineness. The willingness to give comes from a genuine need, and not from selfish motives. It is the lack of real need, or the ulterior motives of the asker, that often leads to refusal.

Universal rules of refusal

There are a few common reasons that would make someone refuse to give food to someone who asks:

Asker is an alien: If the person making the request is an alien or from a different culture, there might be concerns about the food's safety and purity.

Asker is an ass: In colloquial terms, if the individual is being rude or inconsiderate, there's no reason to help them, especially if the helper is already facing tough times.

Asker doesn't want to give you their steak for your fries: This is more about personal boundaries and matching resources. If the asker has better resources, it might not be fair to offer less.

Asker asked and was given some in the last few minutes: If the asker has recently received assistance, it might be reasonable to withhold food until the next available opportunity.

Asker is in a Bentley: This could be a metaphorical way of saying that the person is well-off in other aspects, and thus doesn't truly need help.

Conclusion

While the heart urges us to give, there are practical reasons to exercise caution. Trust, genuineness, and the asker's own resources play a significant role in these decisions. In the face of genuine need, however, true generosity remains the guiding light. The life of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) stands as an example of selflessness, showing that even in the face of personal hardship, one must find a way to assist others when possible.