What is the ruling on going to a remote area and dying of starvation due to self-respect and refusal to beg, like the pre-Islamic practice of "I’tifār"?

"I'tifar" (forsaking earning a livelihood and living a life of abstinence until death) is not permissible. It is obligatory for anyone who fears death to strive to earn a livelihood. If one is unable to do so and begging from people becomes the only way to save one's life, then it becomes obligatory. One would be sinful if they did not beg and subsequently died.