Blogs And Articles

You must have seen such people in streets, markets, outside mosques, at traffic signals, bus stands, and railway stations, extending their hands to beg. Yet, Islam teaches us to embrace hard work, lawful sustenance, and self-respect. In every society, there are some individuals who avoid work. Instead of earning through labor, they choose an easier path and adopt beg- ging as a profession. On the surface, these people appear helpless and destitute, but in truth, many are part of an organized mafia. This mafia not only damages the social fabric of the country but also tarnishes the nation's dignity abroad. A country's reputation is tied to the character and actions of its citizens. If its people are seen begging everywhere, it creates the impression that they lack the ability to work, have no self-respect or conscience, and that the state has failed to meet their basic needs. Thus, this mafia causes not only moral and social decay at home but also damages the nation's image worldwide. The beggar mafia hands bowls to innocent children instead of sending them to school, and young girls are often forced into this trade publicly. What greater humiliation can there be for a nation? Every day, this mafia extracts billions of rupees from the public, which are wasted instead of contributing positively to the economy. Many beggars are linked to petty theft, drug trafficking, and smuggling networks. Women and children are often coerced. Women and children are often coerced into begging. Pakistani beggar gangs abroad not only disturb the social structure of host countries but also directly harm Pakistan's reputation. As a result, foreign governments impose visa restrictions on hardworking and skilled Pakistanis, creating new challenges for the country.
To eliminate this mafia, strong laws must first be enacted and strictly enforced. It is not enough to have paperwork-special anti- beggar squads should be established in every city. Those forcing children and women into begging must face severe punishment. Illiteracy is also a major reason behind begging; therefore, children should be encouraged to attend school. It is a matter of grave concern that nearly 30 million children in Pakistan are out of school. If education is denied to them, what option other than begging remains? Public awareness is essential people must. understand that giving alms only strengthens the mafia. Unless the public stops giving, this mafia will never disappear. Special media pro- grams should highlight the reality of the beggar mafia and its harmful effects. On social media, campaigns should spread the message that providing jobs, not alms, is the real act of service. Undoubtedly, some individuals beg out of genuine poverty. For such people, the government should provide skill-development programs and small business loan schemes, similar to those currently offered by Akhuwat Foundation. During Ramadan, if banks transparently deliver zakat, charity, and donations to rightful recipients, the need for begging will diminish.
Beggar gangs abroad also demand attention. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and embassies must take effective steps in coordination with host countries. These gangs should be identified, repatriated, punished, and rehabilitated. Islam strongly condemns begging; the Prophet Muhammad ? said: "Whoever asks for charity without need is putting a brand of fire on his face." Scholars must emphasize in their sermons the dangers of both begging and giving to beggars. A prop- er zakat and charity system should be enforced to reach the truly deserving directly. The beggar mafia has become a cancer in our society. It not only fosters crime, poverty, and moral decline within the country but also damages Pakistan's reputation internationally. In Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Qatar, "Muscat, and other Middle Eastern countries, Pakistani citizens face serious difficulties due to these beggars. To address this issue, the government, relevant institutions, and the nation as a whole must unite. It is our collective duty to combat this scourge. We must neither beg nor give to beggars but instead support genuine needy individuals through charitable organizations. Pakistan has many credible institutions such as Al-Khidmat Foundation, Edhi Foundation, Chhipa Welfare, Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital, Indus Hospital, and Minhaj Welfare Society. By supporting them, we can play an important role in eliminating begging.