I completely disagree with the opinion expressed in the article "Don't give money to beggars!" (Sep. 5). Giving money to beggars is an act of compassion by the giver and should not be stopped because of the few people who take advantage of such compassion. Yes, there are beggars who are frauds but the bigger picture is not as negative as the article paints it to be. I hope people will keep giving for Allah's sake. Eman, Online response II. In my opinion, what is required to reduce or eliminate the phenomenon of begging is to encourage beggars (and in a polite way) to take up any decent work instead of begging. What really frustrates me is when I see a woman carrying a baby at a traffic light in the middle of the day under the hot sun going from car to car begging. Our religion commands and encourages working and views it as an important virtue; it forbids and disapproves of laziness and begging. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) regarded begging which is done as an occupation as a disgrace. Omar, Online response
