Muscat – There is a heightened sense of charity and generosity during Ramadan. This leads to a rise in begging, while raising concerns about how to ensure help reaches those really in need. What measures can be implemented to minimise begging during the holy month? Here is what Muscat Daily readers said –

Ahmed al Harthy, Taxi driver

To minimise begging, we must strengthen our charity organisations and ensure that Zakat and Sadakh reach those in real need. Community awareness campaigns can educate people on responsible giving, directing donations to official charities instead of street beggars. This will ensure support goes to the right people while discouraging professional begging.

Fatima al Balushi, Homemaker

One of the effective ways to tackle begging is by promoting structured aid through registered charities. Mosques and community centres should collaborate to distribute food, clothing and financial assistance fairly. Additionally, authorities must take strict action against any form of begging.

Mohammed Rashid, Businessman

As business owners, we can help by offering temporary jobs to the needy during Ramadan instead of direct handouts. This empowers them and discourages reliance on begging. At the same time, we must encourage donations to licensed charities that assess genuine cases, ensuring assistance reaches those truly struggling.

Imran Sheikh, Businessman

The best way to reduce begging is by ensuring that government-run and private charity programmes like Dar al Atta’a are equipped to help the needy for which one must donate to these entities. Free meal distribution, clothing drives and financial aid should be well-organised so that no one is forced to beg.

Neha Sharma, Private sector employee

Instead of temporary relief and punishment, authorities should help them find sustainable livelihoods. During Ramadan, religious leaders can guide people to donate through proper channels rather than giving money on the streets, which may encourage more begging.

Rahul Desai, Entrepreneur

Corporate social responsibility initiatives should be leveraged to provide structured aid. Businesses can collaborate with NGOs to distribute iftar meals, fund education programmes and support employment opportunities for the underprivileged.

Murugan Subbarayan, Teacher

Restaurants can provide free food parcels at their shop door so that needy people can have it without begging. Shopping malls can have free counters for needy people during Ramadan; they can collect basic foods, vegetables and even old stocks of clothes. Mwasalat and other transport companies can offer free service during Ramadan, specifically in the evenings for iftar.