Concerns that cash could be used to finance extremists have prompted calls for a clampdown on illegal fundraising in Bahrain.

It follows last week’s move by the Saudi Interior Ministry to caution people against handing over money that ‘could be used to finance suspicious groups,’ said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

MP Mohammed Al Ammadi said action was also needed in Bahrain, where it is not uncommon to see someone asking for money – even though the practise is illegal without a licence.

“We need to be cautious about these people,” he said.

“The person might be asking for just a dinar or two, but we don’t know his motive.

“Every dinar counts and they could be collecting major amounts through such activities, which we might be unaware of.

“Maybe the person is genuine, but my experience has taught me otherwise.

“Once I saw a Saudi man with a small girl in a car who approached me with a story that he needed money for fuel as he lost his wallet.

“Later in the evening I saw him in a coffee shop with some others and I knew he was telling a lie to me.

“This might be one odd incident where the person lied to get some money, but there could also be the other extreme where we end up 
supporting unknown people for dangerous causes.”

He said it was the duty of the public to report illegal fundraising or begging to the police.

“Even if the person is genuine or otherwise, this is the right move,” said Al Ammadi.

“If he is trying to cheat, he will be punished. If he is truly a needy person, he will get support.

“Charity can begin from your neighbourhood and you may want to support labourers who are far from their country, visibly toiling for their families.”

Sunni cleric Shaikh Salah Al Jowder also warned against giving money to strangers on the street.

“Usually I understand they look quite well off and are not really begging, instead telling about unfortunate incidents which led them to that situation,” he said.

“Sometimes they are even with their family, including women and children. I know of incidents where different people got cheated by the same family (from the UAE) on the same day.

“We know of people who they say are from Saudi, Kuwait or UAE and tell stories of thefts and accidents.

“Similarly, in other GCC countries, we have heard of Bahrainis doing such acts.

“Once a man who rang my door bell and said he was tired and wanted water. He ended up telling a story about losing his wallet.

“He didn’t want to report it to the police, but instead just wanted a few dinars which I thought was suspicious.”

However, he added that people not only sought handouts on the streets.

“Even in mosques, sometimes we see people quietly asking for money, saying that they are embarrassed and most of the time we trust them,” he said.

“But we do not know who they are, who is behind them and where this money is going to.”

Those sentiments were supported by Shura Council member Shaikh Adel Al Maawada, who said the Social Development Ministry had a budget to support those less fortunate.

“Our responsibility is to help these people reach the ministry or its official representatives, instead of giving them money which will only encourage the habit,” he said.

“I had an experience of a 75-year-old man in a wheelchair begging, but who later turned out to be a rich man.

“He was begging just for the sake of extra income and I reported the matter to authorities.”

He added that anyone who asks for money in a mosque should have first sought fundraising approval from authorities.

“People appealing for money in the mosques must have a licence from the Jaffari or Sunni Waqaf (Endowments) Directorates, without which they are liable for legal punishment,” he added.

However, he dismissed suggestions that money handed over to people begging would find its way into the hands of terrorists.   

“The terrorists don’t have to beg, as they have bigger powers supporting them financially,” he said.

The Social Development and Justice, Endowments and Islamic Affairs Ministries were unavailable for comment yesterday. - TradeArabia News Service