A LONDON Council is warning the Muslim community not to give money to beggars following reports that they are deliberately being targeted during the holy month of Ramadan.
The religious festival, with its tradition of giving alms, is believed to have become a target for unscrupulous people, some of whom have even resorted to posing as Muslims by wearing prayer shawls and using prayer mats in the street.
Westminster Council has put its network of City Guardians and City Inspectors on alert, particularly in the Edgware Road area and near mosques, after reports came through of the practice.
Cllr Daniel Astaire, cabinet member for community protection, said: "We're extremely concerned that Muslims may be exploited during the holy month of Ramadan. It is both immoral and unacceptable for people to prey on the generosity and benevolence of the Muslim community at this or any time, and we would advise never to give money to beggars in the street, apart from begging being illegal, you can never be sure the funds are going to those genuinely in need.
"For those who are genuinely homeless or in need of assistance the council, along with a number of charitable organisations, offers a wide network of services. There is absolutely no need for anybody to beg on our streets."
During Ramadan Muslims all over the world abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs during daylight hours, and use it as a time to purify the soul, refocus attention on God, and practice self-sacrifice. Although the Muslim community has a strong tradition of giving to charity, the giving of alms is even more significant during Ramadan with its focus on improving family bonds and friendships.
Dr Abdulkarim Khalil, Director of Al Manaar, the Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre, said: "It is sad that anybody would seek to take advantage in this way and I strongly urge Muslims to give directly to recognised charities or their mosque so they can be absolutely certain their money is going to a good cause.
"Although I don't believe this is widespread, it is cause for concern and I sincerely hope by highlighting this issue we can ensure such unscrupulous behaviour does not take root. The giving of alms is an important part of our faith, for people to try and abuse that is disappointing. If anybody witnesses this they should report it to the authorities straight away."
In previous years Westminster City Council has warned the Muslim community to be on the lookout for rogue mineral water which unscrupulous sellers claim is from a sacred well in Mecca. Last year (2007) environmental health officers seized a consignment from a shop in the Notting Hill area at the start of the holy month of Ramadan.
Saudi authorities expressly forbid the commercial export of genuine holy Zam Zam water, so any being offered for sale in the UK will be from unauthorised sources and potentially harmful. Genuine Zam Zam, which is sourced from the Well of Zam Zam, located within the Masjid al Haram in Mecca, can only be taken out of Saudi Arabia in small quantities by returning Pilgrims for personal consumption.
Ramadan occurs in the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and this year began on 1st September and will continue for 29 or 30 days until 29th or30th September.
