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The circumstances of the People of the Portico, together with other poor Muslims who did not stay at the portico or stayed there only at times, were as Allah Most High describes them in His Book, where He identifies those among them entitled to charity and those entitled to fayʾ revenues. He says:

“If you give charity openly, that is good; but if you conceal it and give it to the poor, that is better for you, and He will expiate some of your sins. Allah is fully aware of what you do.”

Then, further on, He says:

“Charity is for the poor who are restricted in Allah’s cause and cannot travel through the land. Those unaware of their circumstances think them wealthy because they refrain from begging. You can recognize them by their appearance; they do not beg people persistently.”

Concerning those entitled to fayʾ revenues, He says:

“For the poor emigrants who were driven from their homes and property, seeking bounty from Allah and His pleasure, and supporting Allah and His Messenger. It is they who are truly sincere.”

Poor Muslims, whether among the People of the Portico or others, would earn a living whenever they could do so without being diverted from something more obligatory or more beloved to Allah and His Messenger than earning a living. But when they were kept from earning a living in Allah’s cause, they gave precedence to what brought them nearer to Allah and His Messenger. The People of the Portico were the guests of