Don’t add an unproductive person to society

Virtually all the beggars I see look miserable, sad, and depressed. I am happy. Therefore, I give them something in the form of money, usually more than they expect, although never enough. They often thank me, profusely, but that embarrasses me.

“I am blessed and the beggars are in misery. Therefore, I help them a little. I do not do it to feel good, or to solve their problems, but to make their life a little bit less miserable,” says Naqi Ali.

“Giving alms to beggars is nice. There is something very human about doing that. Possibly the act of giving is more important than whatever money you give. You are relating to an unfortunate person in a way that helps. For a moment, they lose their invisibility and become a person,” says Hur Abbas.

“Maybe the act of giving does boost my spirit, by reminding me how blessed I am. Most of my blessings are unearned. Just for a moment, I stop and reach into my pocket, fumble for some money, and acknowledge another person’s humanity, even if just in a minimal way,” says Alamdar Hussain.

“Why should we give money to beggars? Do you think there is any genuine reason for giving money/alms to beggars? We earn money when we contribute something to society,” says Muhammad Baqir.

“A police officer earns money because he protects our life and maintains law and order. A soldier earns money because he protects our country risking his own life. A tax official earns money because he earns taxes for the country. A businessperson earns money because he provides goods and services to the consumer. What does a beggar do,” adds Baqir.

“I one hundred percent agree. A manufacturer earns money because he produces goods, which we need. An employee earns money because he works 8-10 hours a day for his living. What does a beggar do? He does not contribute to the society,” says Samsam Hussain.

“I believe that beggars only give a bad name to the country and shame the nation by projecting themselves worse than what they are and by looking so miserable. The worst thing is that they expect you to give them money as a right. They even curse you if you do not pay them,” adds Samsam.