KOTA BARU: Muslims must exercise caution when giving alms to beggars during this fasting month to avoid contributing to the coffers of irresponsible parties, such as begging syndicates.
Kelantan Mufti Datuk Mohamad Shukri Mohamad said it is normal for Muslims to give donations during the holy month to obtain extra blessings from Allah.
However, some Muslims may not realise that they are channelling their money towards those who do not deserve it.
"It is not wrong to donate money to the less fortunate, including beggars and orphans, as it is part of our religious obligations.
“But I’m afraid that some people take advantage of other people's generosity to get easy money," he said.
Shukri said members of begging syndicates tend to use elderly women and children to collect donations for their personal interests.