Is it permissible for a woman to withhold her money from her poor neighbor who does not return money or take care of borrowed appliances, even though she is aware of the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "Whoever has an excess mount, let him help one who has no mount"?

There is no blame upon a woman if she withholds assistance from her neighbor who does not return what she borrows or takes on loan, because although Islamic law encourages kindness, the hadith that urges charity does not necessitate giving money to someone who does not return it. Furthermore, the neighbor is indebted for what she does not return, and the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, cut off the hand of the Makhzumi woman who used to borrow items and deny them. That neighbor must fear Allah, and if she insists on not returning what she borrowed, her case should be referred to the judiciary. If she damages what she borrowed, she is liable. And lending food is not permissible; rather, it should be given as a loan (i.e., to be consumed and a similar amount returned).