Brown and black non-Saudi beggars will continue to roam the streets of our cities, posing major problems, for as long as there are those who collude in prolonging a problem that has proved difficult to solve. It is true that both local government and non-governmental bodies have made many attempts to combat the phenomenon but their efforts have had little impact. The only solution is in the hands of members of the public — citizens and expatriates alike. Had we all joined together to address the problem by considering the root causes, we would have succeeded in ending the vile practice that is truly a black spot on the body of our country. The solution is very simple: Stop giving to beggars. Don’t give them a riyal or even a halala. In short, we have to cut off their supplies.

The police tell us the beggars are all members of organized gangs and that the gangs bring the people here and tell them where to go and what to do. These people are smuggled here across our borders and also on fake visas for Haj and Umrah. Many arrive from Africa and among them are children, old people and the physically handicapped. The money they receive from begging — money given by the generous members of the public who believe God will reward them — is then divided between the beggars and the gang leaders.

I don’t really think there is any reward here. Generous but misguided people are giving money to those involved in an un-Islamic practice. It is common to see motorists waiting at traffic signals being approached by beggars who then began knocking at the window to draw the driver’s attention. Torn between frustration and pity, drivers find themselves confused, not knowing what to do. Should they hand over a few riyals or ignore the beggar? As I see it, paying beggars is a sin in itself. People want a religious ruling issued by a relevant body clearly telling them what to do about the beggars. The problem is thus obvious and so is the solution. People should immediately stop giving money to beggars. Otherwise, even more of Africa will move into our streets. Remember by refusing to give money to beggars, you are contributing to the only solution to the problem.