Saudi Official Says Begging Is A ‘Source For Terror Funding’

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By Rodolfo C. Estimo Jr.

It is everybody’s duty to end the begging phenomenon during Ramadan because it is a source of terror funding, said Qassim Gov. Prince Faisal bin Mishaal recently.

His comment came during a meeting with various sectors of society to discuss the problem of begging during the Holy Month.

“It is imperative that we come up with a solution to begging, which is rampant during Ramadan, because it’s a source of funding for terrorist groups,” insisted the governor.

Moreover, beggars at traffic signals, he said, also cause obstruction as they walk up to motorists waiting for the light to turn green, asking for alms.

The meeting was attended by military leaders, security experts, scientists, media representatives, civic groups and youth organizations in the region.

Prince Faisal bin Mishaal said that many are interested in doing good deeds by giving alms during Ramadan without realizing that the money is going to terrorists, who use it for their inimical goals.

“Everybody is enjoined to help in the campaign to deter, if not totally prevent, beggars, especially in public places like major roads, markets or malls.”

Yusuf Rumaih, criminology professor at the University of Qassim and a security adviser, said “funding for terrorist organizations is like oxygen for life.”

He, however, added that the Kingdom has made great strides in fighting terrorism and that it has many ways to to cut off its sources of financial and intellectual logistics.

A journalist attending the meeting said, “We must be discreet in and when we’re moved to give alms to beggars. Refusal to give alms because we doubt a beggar’s purpose for the money won’t make him die.”

Arab News

Arab News is Saudi Arabia's first English-language newspaper. It was founded in 1975 by Hisham and Mohammed Ali Hafiz. Today, it is one of 29 publications produced by Saudi Research & Publishing Company (SRPC), a subsidiary of Saudi Research & Marketing Group (SRMG).

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