Is what I did considered cheating and a sin, when my French language instructor informed me —through my colleague— of the two exam topics that would appear, and I studied them and got a good grade because of them?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
If a teacher specifies exam topics in a way that violates exam regulations, he has betrayed trust and committed an injustice that corrupts the student evaluation process. However, if a student benefits from this action without seeking or requesting it, it is not considered cheating and there is no sin in it, as Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen issued a permitting a student to benefit from an answer he hears unintentionally. It is advised to focus on current studies and strive diligently in them.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/195348
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 195348
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy