Beggars Infiltrate Hyderabad Streets During Ramzan Festivities

Hyderabad is known for distributing over 400 crore as zakat during the holy month of Ramzan. This has led to an influx of poor people from various parts of the city and other states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Kashmir, and more. Beggars are seen all over the city during Ramzan, seeking alms from Muslims who use zakat as a means of charity to help the needy. Previously, beggars were found on every street corner, but now they are seen at traffic signals, outside mosques, hotels, restaurants, and markets. Many beggars form groups comprising women, children, and old men and flock to areas with a predominantly Muslim population. A city-based NGO conducted a survey on beggars and found that most were seasonal and came to the city during festivals. During the survey, they discovered that many beggars were non-Muslims or namesake Muslims who wore burqas and learned a few words to attract Muslim devotees for easy alms. Despite this, they earned a good amount of money, with not a single beggar earning less than Rs 1,000 per day. It is advised to give zakat/charity to known needy people rather than giving it to undeserving people.