JEDDAH, 5 January 2006 — Saudi authorities have taken steps to prevent all forms of begging during Haj, according to Awad Al-Radadi, deputy minister for social affairs. Last year, authorities arrested 363 beggars including 188 women in the holy sites, Asharq Al-Awsat reported. Beggars use different tricks to win the sympathy of pilgrims, some crying for help without any reason and others telling fake stories. Begging is on the increase during Haj as pilgrims give away charities to gain the blessing of God.
