Is It Permissible to Give Bribes to Obtain One’s Right? Sharʿi Guidance
Taken from: Aḥkām wa Masāʾil – Masāʾil al-Buyūʿ, vol.1, p.393
❖ The Question
A man gives money as a bribe to obtain his rightful due because without paying, his matter is not heard and he is deprived of his right. Is giving a bribe in such a situation permissible? For example, I am seeking employment, vacancies exist, and as a citizen I have the right to apply, but without bribery, nothing is processed.
❖ The Answer
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ammā baʿd:
- Bribery, in all cases, remains bribery.
- However, if a person gives money only to obtain his rightful due, this is not the same as bribing to usurp someone else’s right or to commit injustice.
- Hence, while both are not equal, Sharʿan, giving bribes is still blameworthy and impermissible, even if done under compulsion for reclaiming one’s right.
ھذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب
