Ibn Masud (may Allah be pleased with him) relates that the Holy Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) said, “If anyone is in need and ask people to meet it, he will not be permanently relieved of his trouble. But if he seeks God’s help, he will be soon relieved or he will meet his death if the appointed time is at hand or God will give him prosperity some time later.”
(Abū Daud, Tirmidhi)
Allah has blessed man with a strong sense of dignity by putting an end to slavery, by fulfilling all human needs and even by encouraging man to turn to Him alone whenever he happens to stand in need. When a person turns to some of his fellow beings for something he needs, he may be relieved of his trouble but for a time being, and not permanently. For man may help the needy but not up to the level of saturation, and not for the rest of his life. Man is not so large-hearted to meet the needs of a fellow being, and not so generous as to relieve him from the indignity of begging. Thus, when a needy person looks to others for relief, his dignity and self-respect will certainly get injured. And once a person loses dignity and self-respect, he loses the very sheen of life.
In contrast, the Lord, who is the Creator and Sustainer, can and does help the needy, when he turns to Him, in the best way and creates a situation in which he finds himself permanently relieved.