How should one deal with beggars, especially children, who use deception — such as feigning blindness — to ask for money? And should one give them money despite being unable to ascertain their truthfulness or need? And is there a sin incurred by unknowingly helping those among them who are deceivers?

It is not permissible to ask people for money for one who is not in need or who is able to earn a living. Asking is permissible for three types of people: the utterly poor, one who has incurred a debt, and one whose property has been destroyed by a calamity, provided that they do not ask for more than their need. What a non-needy person takes is unlawful, based on the Prophet’s (peace and blessings be upon him) saying: "Indeed, begging is not permissible except for one of three." Beggars are not all in need, and it is better to give money to those who are most likely poor or to direct them to zakat (definition) committees. Whoever gives with the assumption that the recipient is in need, their charity is accepted even if it later turns out to be otherwise.