Stop asking for alms from motorists

JEMBER, East Java: The East Java Council of Indonesian Mosques (DMI) has appealed to all mosque committees in the province not to seek alms from people driving along the public highway.

"Seeking alms on the highway is unethical. Not only does it disrupt traffic and endanger safety, it also a disgrace to Islam," said Suyanto, secretary of the East Java DMI on Sunday.

Mosque committees often seek donations from people traveling along the highway, often by virtually closing the highway so as to force traffic to slow down. During the post-fasting Idul Fitri celebrations, such obstructions are commonplace on the roads between Pasuruan, Jember and Banyuwangi.

Suyanto said that if Muslims in Indonesia willingly gave donations, there would be no need to resort to such tactics.

"Mosque committees should improve their management and end the practice of collecting money on the highway," he added. - Antara