Begging

Respected scholars of Islam, As-Salaamu `Alaykum wa Rahmatullah wa Barakatuh. Please, I want you to clarify the Islamic stance on begging, for it has become a widespread phenomenon, particularly in the Arab countries where people are always driven by their emotions and sympathy. Jazakum Allah khayran.

Dear scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. I am wondering about the status of street performing. My parents claim it is a form of begging, and I've heard that begging is a form of fawahish (shameful deeds). But what if it is done only for fun considering the money earned as a form of bonus instead of a form of work? Also, does its ruling depend on the type of act done?Jazakum Allah khayran.