Miskeen (مسكين) – The Concept of Humility and Poverty in Islam
📜 Meaning & Significance
🔹 The word Miskeen (مسكين) in Arabic and Islamic terminology refers to a poor, humble, or needy person who lacks financial means but may not necessarily be a beggar.
🔹 It can also imply humility, dependence on Allah, and contentment despite hardships.
🔹 Islam teaches kindness and charity towards Miskeen individuals, as they are often in need of assistance and support.
📖 Miskeen in the Quran
Allah commands believers to take care of the Miskeen and mentions them in several verses:
1️⃣ “And they give food, despite their love for it, to the Miskeen, the orphan, and the captive.”
📌 (Surah Al-Insan 76:8)
2️⃣ “Give the due rights to relatives, the poor (Miskeen), and the traveler, but do not waste wealth extravagantly.”
📌 (Surah Al-Isra 17:26)
3️⃣ “For the poor (Miskeen) who are restricted in the way of Allah, unable to move about in the land seeking livelihood…”
📌 (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:273)
👉 These verses highlight the importance of supporting the Miskeen, whether through charity (Sadaqah), Zakat, or acts of kindness.
🌟 Characteristics of a Miskeen
| Trait | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Financially Struggling | They lack wealth or resources to meet their basic needs. |
| Does Not Beg Openly | Unlike a beggar (Fakir), a Miskeen may not ask for help but still suffers in silence. |
| Deserving of Zakat | Islam encourages giving Zakat to the Miskeen as they are among the needy. |
| Content and Humble | Many Miskeen accept their situation with patience and rely on Allah. |
| Mentioned in the Quran & Hadith | They are given special consideration in Islamic teachings for aid and support. |
🕌 The Importance of Helping the Miskeen in Islam
✔ Obligation in Islam – Helping the Miskeen through Zakat and Sadaqah is a duty for those who can afford it.
✔ A Path to Jannah – Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
📖 “The one who cares for a Miskeen will be close to me in Jannah.”
📌 (Sahih Muslim 2983)
✔ A Test of Character – How a society treats its poor reflects its values and faith.
✔ A Source of Blessings – Giving to the Miskeen increases barakah (blessings) in wealth and earns Allah’s mercy.
📿 Dua for Helping the Miskeen
1️⃣ Dua for Being Kind to the Needy
📿 اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْنَا مِنَ المُحْسِنِينَ إِلَى المَسَاكِينِ
“O Allah, make us among those who are kind to the needy.”
2️⃣ Dua for Protection from Poverty
📿 اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الفَقْرِ وَالمَسْكَنَةِ
“O Allah, I seek refuge in You from poverty and destitution.”
📌 (Sunan Abu Dawood 1543)
🌍 Miskeen Translations in 25 Languages
| Language | Translation |
|---|---|
| English | Poor, Needy, Humble |
| Urdu | مسکین – غریب، عاجز |
| Hindi | मिस्कीन – गरीब, जरूरतमंद |
| Bengali | মিসকীন – দরিদ্র, নিঃস্ব |
| Spanish | Pobre, Necesitado |
| French | Pauvre, Nécessiteux |
| Turkish | Yoksul, Muhtaç |
| German | Arm, Bedürftig |
| Russian | Бедный, Нуждающийся |
| Chinese | 贫穷, 需要帮助 (Pínqióng, Xūyào bāngzhù) |
| Malay/Indonesian | Miskin, Fakir |
| Tamil | மிஸ்கீன் – ஏழை, பணிவானவர் |
| Persian (Farsi) | مسکین – فقیر، نیازمند |
| Pashto | مسکین – غریب، بېوزله |
| Swahili | Masikini, Mhitaji |
| Italian | Povero, Bisognoso |
| Portuguese | Pobre, Necessitado |
| Japanese | 貧しい, 必要としている (Mazushī, Hitsuyō to shite iru) |
| Korean | 가난한, 궁핍한 (Gananhan, Gungpiphan) |
| Greek | Φτωχός, Χρειάζομαι βοήθεια (Ftochós, Chreiázomai voítheia) |
| Hebrew | עָנִי, נִזקָק |
| Thai | คนยากจน, ผู้ต้องการความช่วยเหลือ |
| Polish | Biedny, Potrzebujący |
| Dutch | Arm, Behoeftig |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Mahirap, Kailangan ng Tulong |
📌 Conclusion
The concept of Miskeen in Islam is not just about poverty but also about humility and the responsibility of society to care for the less fortunate. Supporting the Miskeen through charity, kindness, and care is a key part of Islamic teachings and a path to Jannah.