MAKKAH, 19 October 2007 — There has been a marked increase in the number of beggars on the streets of Makkah in recent years, particularly around the Grand Mosque, which is considered a prime place for begging on account of the multitude of people constantly visiting it.
Beggars generally play on people’s piety and work to elicit sympathy to gain money. In Makkah it has become normal to see beggars wherever you go — at hospitals, hotels, commercial centers, banks and everywhere else in the holy city.
However, in the sophisticated and global village that the world is today, beggars have also changed their mode of operation. Instead of begging in the old-fashioned way of wearing torn and patchy clothes, women beggars are known to dress smartly in clean and smart abayas.
“Beggars, especially those of African nationalities, walk into the women’s section of the hospital that I work at. They usually come with around six to nine children. I find it hard to believe their sob stories because some of the kids are definitely of the same age. They’re seemingly just bringing them along to elicit sympathy,” said Hussain, a manager at a private hospital in Makkah.
Another female employee at a private hospital, who asked not to publish her name, said: “Beggars are known to walk around in hospitals after manipulating the security guard by claiming they are sick. They usually target employees and ask them for money.”
Iman Abdul Magid, another hospital employee, said: “I am always surprised by beggars in public places such as markets and restaurants. They approach us in restaurants asking for food. They tell us miserable stories about themselves and claim they are Saudis.
“You can usually tell they aren’t Saudis. Saudi women are known to be shy and proud. Even if they’re in need of money they would not ask for it by lowering themselves like this.”
Aisha Al-Ali, a Saudi from Riyadh, said: “I am fed up with beggars. Whenever I come to Makkah I see them everywhere in the markets, street and malls. They keep begging and telling us sob stories. They follow us around and are also known to rob people.”
Muhammad Mounir, a manager at a hotel in Makkah, said: “Security guards do not allow beggars into the hotel. However, they still sometimes manage to get in by telling lies to the guards.
“Many of them have sob stories to tell. Many are also dressed extremely well. Some say they are wealthy but have been robbed or lost their money, and need cash to return home and pay hotel bills. People feel sorry for them and hand them a bit of money.”
