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29 March 2024

Begging 'alien' to UAE society: residents

Begging is banned and forbidden in Islam and considered an occupation to achieve wealth by exploiting people. (Supplied)

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By Staff

Citizens and residents in the UAE concurred that begging is a serious problem and alien to society, calling for increased awareness about its risks and negative effects. They also noted that beggary rates have recently decreased thanks to the unwavering efforts exerted by the Ministry of Interior, and the set of measures enforced by other entities to counter this ill-behavior; notably intensifying control and awareness programmes and campaigns, and encouraging people to report beggars.

The majority of respondents approached to shed the light on the issue said that by indulging beggars, unsuspecting community members encourage this bad behavior and prompt beggars to continue capitalizing on people’s sympathy and compassion, and cashing in on their good will to make illegal profits.. They also noted that by most beggars engage in this unethical behavior and may not be really needy, but catering to their fake allegations will keep them coming back to places where they can lucrative gains using fraudulent means and methods and even acting out a physical disability or injury, caliming to need medical care or to pay home rent, or needing cash to continue the trip home after losing their wallets, among others.

The Ministry of Interior had recently launched the “No to Begging” campaign to raise people’s awareness about the dangers of dealing with beggars. The campaign highlights that begging is an objectionable uncivilized nuisance, and opens the door for some people to engage in various forms of dupery and fraud to seek immoral alms from people who sympathize with beggars.

Citizens and residents also noted that community members are the first line of defense against this societal scourge, and combating it is a shared collective responsibility that requires people to refrain from sympathizing with beggars who can approach charity institutions that provide assistance to the needy. They added that combating beggary is a fight that requires concerted efforts and intensifying awareness programs and they also stressed that begging is not a widespread phenomenon in the UAE.

Elaborating on this issue, Dr. Husam Salamah, Head of Media Department at Ajman University said: “Begging is not a widespread occurrence and the number of beggars has been decreasing in the UAE.” He also praised the efforts of the UAE government, including the Ministry of Interior and other charitable institutions, which were instrumental in curbing begging.” Many people concurred with Dr. Salamah, and described begging as a social affliction.

In the same context, Sheikh Talib Al Shehhi, Director of Preaching Department at the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments said: “Begging is forbidden in Islam. Almighty Allah commanded people to work hard to earn their livelihood, and to ‘walk among its slopes and eat of His provision’ according to the Quran and Sunnah that showed us the legal ways for earning money..” He also noted that people make their livelihood in different ways: some work hard and excel in their task, while others resort to objectionable methods: “It is forbidden to take begging as an occupation, by exploiting the feelings of benevolent people and their generosity,” he continued.

A number of citizens and residents noted a decrease in begging rates, as people have become more aware of beggars fraudulent methods. They also stressed the importance of boosting awareness amongst people, and encouraging them to report beggars to the police. They also reiterated their commitment to combating this scourge and its alarming risks. Emirati citizen Muhammad Muqbali noted that beggars resort to a wide variety of fraudulent methods to capitalize on people’s sympathy and compassion, and have their way to play with people’s emotions despite the warnings issued by competent authorities about the importance of showing no tolerance with beggars.

Muqbali also noted that combating this scourge is a social responsibility, and that people must cooperate with the police by reporting beggars. He also said that the year-round awareness campaigns have been valuable in reducing beggary, by boosting people’s awareness about this scourge, which is alien to the UAE society.

For his part, Citizen Abdurrahman Rashid Al Nuaimi commended the efforts of the MoI in raising people’s awareness about the need to combat begging. He also noted that the comprehensive awareness campaigns implemented at the countrywide level have contributed to decreasing the number of beggars.

Adding further, he said: “Some beggars try to manipulate people’s sympathy in public places, in front of mosques, and in markets and parks, despite the fact that the UAE provides monthly assistance to needy families, and others, via the different humanitarian organizations and the Red Crescent”. Moreover, he noted that some beggars are well-moneyed, but often resort to begging in order to make quick and easy.

Citizen JumaAhmed Ali talked about his encounter with the beggar, who made it a habit to seek alms at his house every three months. He said: “We should cooperate with the competent authorities to eradicate this bad behavior.” He also noted that the outreach campaigns and programs carried out recently have enhanced awareness among individuals on the need to address the scourge, and protect society against its risks.

Citizen Abdullah Saif also noted that awareness is an essential element in eradicating beggary. He also commended the efforts of the Ministry of Interior and other concerned authorities in implementing awareness-raising campaigns and urged community members not to indulge beggars, and to quickly report them.