South Sulawesi MUI Issues Haram Fatwa For Exploitation Of Beggars, Also Applies To Money Givers

Illustration. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) of South Sulawesi has issued a fatwa which, among other things, prohibits the exploitation of people to beg on the streets and in public spaces.

"First, it is forbidden to exploit people to beg. Second, for givers, it is forbidden to give to beggars in the streets and public spaces because they support those who exploit beggars and do not educate good character," said South Sulawesi MUI General Secretary Dr. KH Muammar Bakri Lc as quoted in the MUI press release, quoted from Antara, Sunday, October 31.

He said that people who are healthy and do not have disabilities are forbidden to beg. In addition, he said, the government is obliged to support and nurture residents who cannot fulfill their daily needs due to their limited conditions so that they do not have to beg.

"If there are beggars on the street, it is a sin for the government. There should be no sight of beggars on the streets," said the Grand Imam of the Al Markaz Mosque in Makassar.

He advised zakat management institutions and other humanitarian agencies to cooperate with the government to deal with beggars.

"Law enforcement should take action against those who exploit people because this is considered a crime against humanity," said Muammar.

He explained that the South Sulawesi MUI fatwa Number 01 of 2021 regarding exploitation and begging activities on the streets and public spaces was the result of discussions from experts and scholars at the South Sulawesi MUI Fatwa Commission.

The Makassar City Government has issued a regional regulation No. 2 of 2008 concerning the prohibition of giving money to beggars on the streets in an effort to prevent the exploitation of children and people to beg.