The mystery of Ramadhan beggars

Sulaiman Jaafar, New Straits Times, Kuala Lumpur

The Muslims' generosity during this month is a magnet for beggars. This can be seen in all major towns in the country not only in Kota Baru. The blind, the disabled, old men and women, and children can be seen begging in the streets.

In Kota Baru, the favorite haunt is the Siti Khadijah market in the center of town and at major shopping centers. During prayer time, they congregate at the Muhammadi Mosque.

Why are they out in full force only during Ramadhan? Where do they come from? It is time for the authorities, especially the Welfare Services Department to investigate the activities of these "beggars".

News reports of syndicates taking advantage of the generosity of the people are still fresh in the minds of the people. These syndicates know where best to station "their people" and will move to another choice spot when the crowd thins. Muslim charity and goodwill during the holy month must not be taken advantage of by such syndicates.

In suburbs and housing estates where the rich reside, a different type of group will be operating. They go from house-to- house asking for tithes, the compulsory payment made by every Muslim during the fasting month.

The problem is although you might have given to one group, there will be several others coming to your house making the same demand. This leads to confusion, and the situation is made worse as the tithe collectors will not be able to produce authorization letters.

The religious councils must identify the groups making the rounds. One way of solving the problem is for the council in the States to give zakat to the poor and under-privileged in two lump sums, one before or during early Ramadhan and the other before Idul Fitri, instead of only prior to the celebration.

We also have people claiming to be from Myanmar, Thailand and Pakistan, raising funds for various projects like the building of madrasah and orphanages. They sometimes show letters purportedly from authorities in their home country but mostly the letters or certificates are in their native language and we have no way to authenticate them.

Although the Kelantan Islamic and Malay Customs Council had warned repeatedly that it will not hesitate to act against anyone collecting donations in the State without its permission, the activity continues.

Giving to unauthorized collectors might encourage other similar activities. But in the end, it is up to the individual to decide, whether to give or not to give.