[Vomephems]

This happens in Madinah quite often. People often approach you saying they've lost all their belongings, passport, tickets etc and need help getting back to Pakistan or need just enough money to get to Makkah. It's difficult to tell who's genuine and I am usually sceptical about everyone who has these stories. My husband, however, is if the opinion that we should not refuse anyone, ever, so gives what is in his pockets. Most, if not all of the time, they are not satisfied with this much and refuse to take anything other than a few hundred riyals. They'll also refuse practical help such as taking them to a policeman or to the authorities to report their loss or arrange for replacement passport/ticket. In the end, I would suggest that you give how much you want and how much you can and leave them to their deeds. If they are truthful, then at least you've helped a little; if not, then Allah is the reckoned, not us.