This is with reference to the report “Public warned against helping beggars” (July 11). We should not give alms to these professional beggars, as they exploit people’s religious sentiments. There are many charities working for poor people. We should make donations to those organizations. Giving alms to these professional beggars tantamount to the promotion of this ugly practice. I think few people are aware of the fact that begging is forbidden in Islam. The other day, I saw a few female beggars almost loaded with eatables and were counting money. As soon as they saw a car approaching them, they ran toward the car to earn a few extra dimes. Had they been genuinely needy, the stuff they already had in their possession would have been sufficient. These beggars are not forced by their needs or helplessness but they are driven by their greed for more. We should help the relevant authorities in their actions against street beggars by turning a deaf ear to their artificial pleas and by making donations to recognized charity organizations that genuinely help those in need in various ways.