Author: Dr. Muhammad Zia-ur-Rahman A’zami (رحمه الله)
❖ Effects of Bribery on Society
Undoubtedly, when sins become widespread and visible in society, they lead to disunity, sever the bonds of love among individuals, spread hatred and enmity, and result in a lack of cooperation in good deeds. Among the gravest impacts of bribery and other sins upon society is the emergence and proliferation of immoral behaviors, while virtues and noble character traits become concealed and diminished.
Through bribery, theft, betrayal, deception, and false testimony, people begin to violate the rights of others, thereby oppressing one another. All such forms of injustice and wrongdoing fall under the category of the most heinous crimes. These sins incur the wrath of Allah, plant seeds of hostility and animosity among Muslims, and become the cause of collective punishments.
As stated in the Prophetic narration:
“When people see evil and do not try to change it, it is likely that Allah will inflict a general punishment upon them all.”
[Sunan Ibn Mājah, Hadith No. 4005]
[Ibn Bāz, Majmūʿ al-Fatāwā wa al-Maqālāt: 23/230]
