At the entrances to Arafat, beggars cry out imploring the pilgrims to show kindness and part with some money. Handicapped pilgrims with missing arms or legs begging for money are a common sight in the holy places. “This is the second time I have come for Haj, and I have noticed that the number of beggars is increasing. This reflects badly on Muslims, especially as these people beg during the Haj,” Ali Darwish, a Palestinian pilgrim said. Most of the beggars are not in need of money, but are simply taking advantage of people's generosity during the holy event. “I understand the great problem that Saudi authorities are facing in trying to handle such a large number of beggars. The authorities are very busy organizing the huge crowd and keeping the peace. I do not think they have time to deal with these beggars,” Darwish said. Naser Dashti, a Kuwaiti pilgrim, said: “These beggars are bad for the image of Haj. If they are in need of money, they should go to the proper charity institution for help. They should not stand in the middle of the road as an obstacle and show their missing limbs just in order to get money. It is regrettable because some of them are not here for Haj; they come to beg and then go back home with a lot of money in their pockets.” The beggars operate as a gang, and their patrons keep a watchful eye to alert them if the police are anywhere near. They are quick to disappear at the first sign of a threat. “Pilgrims should never help them and should not show them sympathy, especially those who claim to be tsunami victims, because there is a well-organized beggary operation in the name of tsunami,” Dashti said. Beggary is not the only problem during Haj; there is also the problem of pickpockets. Gangs of pickpockets are increasingly on the prowl during the Haj season, taking advantage of the large crowds.
