When I learned that professional gangs exploit children by forcing them to beg on our streets, I stopped giving alms except to causes and charities that I know are credible. I am not someone whose only concern is earning divine reward by giving alms and failing to scrutinize where the money is going. Individuals like that think sincerity is the only required quality, but I do not think that is a responsible attitude. We hear that the kingpins of these gangs are wealthier than those who give charity. For the criminal gangs behind these beggars, this is only a means of accumulating money to finance terrorism, to kill us and to pursue other goals that have nothing to do with alleviating suffering, need, starvation and thirst. These criminals use their own children, or kidnap the children of others to win people's sympathy. They have no qualms about depriving these children of their education, rest and sleep. The children walk barefoot in the hot sun and with insufficient clothes to protect them in the cold winter. There is no one whose heart will not soften when he sees such a sight, especially when the child has a permanent disability. It is definitely a successful gimmick. I read a report by a European journalist who became suspicious of a female beggar who sat at the same location on his way to work every day. This woman had an infant with her who was fast asleep in her lap. Passersby would drop money into a container in front of her. As this journalist passed this woman each day, she would be sitting in the same place with the baby asleep. One day he asked the woman why the child did not wake up, especially when there was a lot of noise. This elicited an angry reaction from several passersby who felt it was cruel to ask the woman a question like this. The journalist, however, had a good look at the baby and left. On another day, as he passed the woman, he noticed that the child was a different one. He, therefore, asked where the first baby had gone and whether she was related to either of the two children. The woman became irritated, shouted at him and called on members of the public for help. The journalist telephoned the police and the woman disappeared. He then began researching a news report on beggars and learned that beggars often operate as part of organized criminal gangs and give alcohol and drugs to young children so that they can beg throughout the day without being disturbed. He also learned that some of these children die because they are unable to tolerate the drugs and alcohol. They are then replaced with other children. The female beggars, on the other hand, receive a share of the money they get drugs and alcohol for themselves. For a few petty worldly gains they sell their conscience. Now that you know something about beggars, think twice before taking out your wallet. Get purchase coupons for food or clothes and donate these instead of handing over money which could be misused. You can also keep long life food products in your car to donate to beggars. There are a thousand ways to do good deeds, but whatever you do, do not help finance criminals who exploit children, even if it is with a sincere intention. Be responsible.
