Do not encourage begging in Ramadan
The Ministry of Interior has urged residents in Qatar not to encourage beggars by giving them money during the month of Ramadan.
Usually, Ramadan sees an influx of beggars seeking to exploit the philanthropic and giving spirit of the holy month. Such people thrive on the public's increased levels of sympathy during this period.
To appeal to people's generosity, pan-handlers narrate sob stories or bring along their children while roaming the streets or knocking on doors for added effect.
It becomes a common sight to see some of these beggars stand in the front of mosques, shopping malls and highly populated streets, exploiting the spirit of charity during Ramadan.
Anti-begging campaign
Ministry of the Interior started a campaign in 2008 to put an end to begging and saw number of beggars dwindle initially. A Begging Combating Section at the Ministry of Interior works round the clock to rid the country of this act.
As cases of begging increase noticeably during Ramadan, the Begging Combating Section, which is under the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), has intensified its vigilance campaign by going on rounds.
According to the Qatari penal code, begging is a crime and has sections on penalties for begging. The law has given the police authority to arrest beggars and if the beggar is a resident, he or she would be subject to deportation
Despite these efforts, the social evil is on the rise again this Ramadan, which the MOI says will "deface the public face of the country."
Donate to charity organizations, not to beggars on the street
Begging is not acceptable in Qatari society so needy families and individuals are encouraged to approach charitable organisations that has been set up to extend a helping hand to citizens and residents who need assistance.
The negative impact of giving alms to beggars and street hawkers lead to the spread of the menace and so the ministry has urged the public to refrain from giving alms to panhandlers. Instead, they should donate the money to official charitable organisations.
Although authorized charity organizations in the country provide the material and financial aid to the needy people, some prefer begging as it is an easy way to collect more money.
"We appeal to all citizens and residents to give their donations to authorized charity organization which will distribute to the deserved and needy people and join us in the fight against this undesirable social habit," said a Facebook post by the Ministry of Interior.
If you notice begging, report it to MOI immediately by calling 234 7444 /3361 8627.
Photo from Ministry of Interior's Facebook page
Visit Qatar Living's Ramadan page for more Ramadan-related news, info and events.
THERE SHOULD BE COMMITTEE TO EVALUATE ABOUT THE SITUATION .....ACCORDING TO THAT THEY WILL COMME TO KNOW THE PRESENT STATUS ABOUT THE POOR PEOPLE IN COUNTRY
The person that begs is not worthy, its the poor person who does not beg that is worthy.
Scarlette & Eddie ......... No body like it but we are forced by the circumstances to the acts which our conscious doesn't allow even we advise others to avoid that .......... ........ but destiny is so harsh that humans have to bend infront of it ........ Almight give strength to everybody to behold our honour up .......... Pray Hard ... Thu, 25.06.2015, 10.27 hrs
Scarlette! u are right.Begging should not be encouraged at any one time.I don't think anyone love to be begging for me it's a very hard thing to do.The introductory part. How can one do it?
During the month of Ramadan? What about after Ramadan? Even not Ramadan we saw some people begging..
Quicky: How would you know whether the beggar is genuine or not ?
http://www.qatarliving.com/forum/qatar-living-lounge/posts/police-arrest-female-beggar-staying-5-star-hotel
Agree with MM , let the traditions prevail over the sponsored system.
@MM: Helping a neighbour is different from giving money to a random stranger begging on the streets.
But this will reduce the human inter-dependence .......... a rich neighbour will teach rules to a poor neighbour instead of helping her / him ......... Wed, 24.06.2015, 11.05 hrs
Valid points. you are doing a good deed - so make sure the money goes to those who are deserving. Give to authorized charities only.