Published: Saturday, 10th May, 2008 16:00
Beggars harass worshippers
By Aamina Zafar
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MUSLIM worshippers say they are being harassed by beggars who loiter outside a mosque and cause nuisance.
A 27-year-old woman was arrested outside Stoke Poges Lane Mosque for begging on Thursday last week.
She is one of around five women who regularly congregate outside the mosque – especially during Friday prayers – to target some of the 3,000 worshippers.
The problem has worsened over the past year where beggars, who flock to the four entrance of the mosque in Stoke Poges Lane, Slough, encourage their children as young as five to ask for money.
Worshipper Saqib Moghul, 26, said: “It is a nuisance because they loiter outside the mosque when all I want to do is focus on my prayers.
“They purposely bring their children to make us feel really guilty if we don’t give them money. I haven’t given them money because I give to charity through the proper
channels.”
Mohammed Ayub, trustee at the mosque, said: “It is very hard because worshippers say they feel harassed and under pressure to give them money all the time.
“The beggars are here most days, but especially on Fridays when they know we have more people here.
“They always bring their children to tug at everyone’s heart strings and that is not fair.
“I challenged them and they just pretended they couldn’t speak English, and put their hands on their tummy to say they want money for food.
“My belief is that people in this country are well looked after and there is no need for them to beg in such a way.”
Mr Ayub is now calling for more police action. He said: “I thought once the police had issued the caution they wouldn’t come back again.
“But to my disbelief they still beg. We need more police action. I would like it if police officers would patrol this area for at least an hour – especially during Friday prayers.”
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