Is it permissible to pay a bribe to an employee in order to expedite the admission of a sick mother to the hospital for an urgent surgical operation?
Bribery is forbidden by Islamic law, and the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, cursed the one who gives and the one who takes a bribe.
However, paying money to obtain a right or to ward off injustice or harm is permissible for the giver, and the sin falls upon the receiver.
It is authentically reported that Ibn Mas'ud, may Allah be pleased with him, paid two dinars to obtain his right in Abyssinia.
Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah said: "Indeed, a gift given to avert injustice or to obtain a right is forbidden for the receiver, but permissible for the giver."
Therefore, it is permissible for you to pay the required amount to admit your mother to the hospital if that is the only way for her to receive treatment, and the sin falls upon the receiver.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Original fatwa ID
- 65645
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- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy