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IT was an embarrassing situation for all Pakistanis when they learnt that some friendly countries have expressed indignation over the presence of Pakistani beggars in their cities. It is also learnt that Saudi Arabia, in particular, has reportedly warned Pakistan to stop ‘exporting’ beggars who beg in and around the Holy Kaaba. Such individuals tarnish the name of Pakistan. Therefore, the issue needs the immediate attention of the relevant authorities.
Begging by some Pakistanis in foreign lands creates a perception that all Pakistanis are beggars. They cause difficulties not only to those seeking legitimate employment opportunities abroad, but also affect diplomatic relations between countries. It can also lead to the imposition of stricter visa policies, which could reduce the number of persons working abroad and sending remittances to the country. Hence, necessary measures, like strict vetting process for people travelling abroad and proper interrogation at the time of immigration, is the need of the hour.
Given the situation, the government of Pakistan has reportedly blocked the passports of many individuals detained in Saudi Arabia. They were arrested for begging. Their passports have been blocked for seven years.
Unfortunately, beggars are rampant in our country. In every city of Pakistan, big and small, one can see them in all public places, be it places of worship, mazars, bazaars or traffic signals. Though the problem exists throughout the year, an alarming spike is witnessed especially in the month of Ramazan. Beggars swarm big cities and there is no place which can be termed as free of their activity. These beggars present themselves in miserable condition, wearing torn and ragged clothes, asking passers-by for alms. Many able-bodied individuals avoid working and depend on alms. They use different tactics to elicit kindness and compassion.
Islam considers hard work a high virtue.
According to one survey, there are two types of beggars. The first type includes those who are constrained by their untoward circumstances, such as social inequality, poverty, physical impairment and mental health issues. They consider begging the last resort for their survival. Others are professional beggars, who are controlled by gangs. It is also noticed that some criminals get hold of vulnerable individuals, particularly children, and force them into beggary.
The fact is that beggary is a social stigma that has existed for centuries. It demeans human dignity, destroys self-esteem and self-respect. It is pitiful to ask for charity by spreading out one’s hands before others. Allah has created humans as the crown of creation; man is supposed to strive hard to discover the secrets of the universe and be a vicegerent of Allah on His earth. Begging is below this position of vicegerent. It is considered as an ignominious act in Muslim tradition. Allah says in the Holy Quran: “Verily, we created man of the best stature” (95:4); therefore, he ought to maintain his respect and dignity in society.
Islam commands and encourages us to work and views it as a high virtue; it forbids and disapproves of laziness and begging. While Islam permits a Muslim to give food to the genuine poor, it abhors begging because it impairs human honour and virtue, shatters the personality and leads to exploitation. So, it is regarded as a disliked act.
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) once reportedly said “Al-Kasib, Habibullah” ie the worker is Allah’s friend. Islam encourages us to be productive and wants us to disperse throughout the land, seeking the bounty of Allah by working (62:10). All legal and morally permitted fields are open and one should sow the seeds and reap the fruit.
To address the root causes of begging, Islam has suggested ways and means. This includes highlighting the value of work and praising the workers and making work a virtue of the community. Further, it has set rules to whom charity can be given. For example, the Holy Book says one should spend on parents, the kindred, orphans, masakeen and wayfarers (2:215).
We should discourage those who tend to beg with able bodies and minds instead of seeking work. There are many social welfare institutions around the country which support the general public in solving their problems. They should encourage people to work instead of distributing cash handouts. All programmes where cash handouts are being distributed need to be reconsidered. This will only make people more dependent. Along with strict enforcement of the anti-beggary law, the government should also introduce firm measures to prevent beggary by initiating labour-intensive programmes where people can find respectable jobs. Specifically, parents who force their innocent children into beggary should be interrogated and warned.
The writer is an educationist with an interest in religion.
Published in Dawn, March 28th, 2025
