Is the profit resulting from paying tuition fees in local currency, then receiving 75% of the amount in US dollars from an international organization and selling it on the black market—exploiting the exchange rate difference and violating local law—considered lawful gain?

The questioner is advised to avoid this action because:

1. The organization does not grant him absolute ownership of the amount; rather, it is in exchange for a percentage of educational expenses, and he may be required to return any excess. 2. It is considered a violation of local law and exposes its perpetrator to severe penalties. It also involves self-abasement, which is forbidden by Islamic law, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "It is not befitting for a believer to humiliate himself" and "There should be no harm nor reciprocating harm." 3. The legal prohibition of this act may be to avert a mischief or to observe a public interest, and adherence to it is necessary because the Imam's action is tied to the public interest.