Is the intent behind the Almighty's saying, "And they withhold the ma'un," the obligation to lend household items to those who need them? And is it permissible to refuse to lend them if requests become frequent, resulting in damage or loss, especially if the borrower is a neighbor or a friend?
There are several interpretations concerning the meaning of "al-Ma'un," including: borrowed tools, , or wealth.
According to the view that it refers to what people borrow, lending al-Ma'un is not obligatory according to the majority of jurists; rather, it is recommended. However, it may become obligatory, such as lending something that would preserve a respected life. It could also be forbidden or disliked.
As for withholding al-Ma'un, it is divided into two categories: that for which a person is sinful, which is withholding something whose giving is obligatory, like withholding a vessel from a distressed person who is on the verge of perishing; and that for which a person is not sinful, but misses out on good.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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