Key Takeaways
- Scams involve stories of lost bags, travel money needs
- Beggars using ihram access holy sites for solicitation
- Multiple reports of same individuals between Safa-Marwa
MECCA — A pilgrim’s video exposing individuals in ihram begging inside Masjid al-Haram has revealed organized solicitation operations within Grand Mosque.
The footage shows the pilgrim confronting Urdu/Hindi-speaking beggars, noting this was his fourth similar encounter in one day.
The recording captures the pilgrim advising the individuals against soliciting money within the sacred premises.
The beggars, dressed in ritual pilgrimage attire that grants access to restricted areas, typically claim lost luggage or need money for transportation to hotels or flights home.
Eyewitnesses report seeing the same beggars operating between Safa and Marwa, the ritual walking area and during tawaf circumambulating of the Kaaba.
Security personnel at the Grand Mosque have long battled professional begging networks that misuse religious access for financial gain. The ihram clothing provides cover for solicitation activities typically prohibited within the holy mosque’s premises.
Pilgrims and authorities continue urging visitors to direct charitable giving through official channels rather than individual solicitors.
Recent years have seen increased surveillance and patrols within the mosque complex to deter such activities, though the vast crowds during pilgrimage seasons make complete prevention difficult.
WhatsApp Channel
ChatGPT
Instagram
Facebook
X (Twitter)
Add on Perplexity
Add on Google News
Ask Gemini AI
Ask Grok AI
Support the officially authentic Islamic website.
Support our mission to spread Islamic knowledge. Your donation helps our volunteer writers and infrastructure. Contribute now.
