Giving Bribes for a Lawful Purpose: Sharʿi Clarification
❖ The Question
If someone gives a bribe to get a lawful and rightful matter done, what is the ruling?
❖ The Answer
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ammā baʿd:
- A bribe remains a bribe, and avoiding it is necessary under all circumstances.
- The bribe for which the Qur’an and Ḥadīth have given the severe warning of Hellfire is not the same as when one gives money to secure a legitimate right or a lawful need that cannot be fulfilled otherwise.
- In such a case, the specific waʿīd (warning of Hellfire) does not apply, but still, giving bribes is not permissible in principle, and one must try their utmost to avoid it.
ھذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب
