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What is the definition of both the Miskin (needy) and the Faqir (poor), what is the difference between them, and do their characteristics change with the passage of time?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

Scholars have differed on the meaning of faqīr (poor) and miskīn (needy) and the distinction between them, presenting several opinions:

The first opinion: The faqīr is in a better state than the miskīn.

The second opinion: The miskīn is in a better state than the faqīr. They cite as evidence the Almighty's saying: "As for the ship, it belonged to poor people working in the sea" (Quran 18:79), and the Prophet's (peace be upon him) seeking refuge from poverty and his supplication to live and die as a miskīn.

The third opinion: There is no difference between them in meaning.

The description of poverty and wealth varies according to time and place.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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