MAKKAH, 22 January 2005 — Despite tremendous efforts by the government and police to eliminate the problem of beggary during Haj, there was still a large presence of these anti-social elements in Makkah and Mina. Most of these beggars are pilgrims from Arab and Asian countries; they are seen in every corner of Mina begging for money.
Handicapped pilgrims with missing arms or legs begging for money are a common sight in the holy places. Other pilgrims from Sri Lanka and Indonesia beg, claming that they are victims of tsunami. Officials from the anti-beggary department have a tough time catching these beggars.
Muhmmad Mabrook, from Egypt, said, “This is the third time I have come for Haj and every time I come I see the number of beggars increasing. This reflects badly on Muslims, especially as they beg during the Haj.”
Most of them are not in need of money. They take advantage of people’s generosity during the holy religious event.
“I understand the great problem that Saudi authorities are facing to handle such a large number of beggars. The authorities are very busy organizing the huge crowd and keeping the peace. I do not think they have time to hunt these beggars down,” Mabrook said.
Mazin Al-Hamoudi, a Saudi pilgrim, said, “These beggars are the bad images of Haj. If they are in need of money, they should go to the proper charity institution for help. They should not stand in the middle of the road as an obstacle and show their missing limbs just to get money. It is too bad because some of them are not coming for Haj; they come to beg and they go back home with a lot of money in their pockets.”
The beggars operate as a gang and their patrons keep a watchful eye to alert them if police are anywhere near. They are quick to disappear when there is a threat.
“Pilgrims should never help them and never show sympathy to them, especially those pilgrims who claim to be tsunami victims, because there is a big organized beggary operation in the name of tsunami,” Al-Hamoudi said.
Beggary is not the only problem during Haj; there is the problem of pickpockets. Pickpocketing gangs are increasingly on the prowl during the Haj season. They operate mostly amidst big crowds.
Pickpockets use sharp blades to cut the leather belt, which is used by pilgrims to carry their money and passports.
Police have arrested a number of pickpockets in Mina and Makkah. Some of the arrested criminals said that they operate in gangs in familiar locations. After the job is done, they hand over the stolen materials to the leader of the gang who in turn sell them back to pilgrims.
