Is cheating in studies—by relying on old tests and projects—permissible when compelled to do so due to the negligence of the course instructor, knowing that failure could lead to job loss?

It is permissible to study old exams and projects and benefit from them in creating a new project within the limits allowed by the university, and this is not considered cheating. However, taking an old project and modifying its data without university permission is forbidden cheating, based on the words of Allah Almighty: ﴿O you who have believed, do not betray Allah and the Messenger or betray your trusts while you know [the consequence]﴾ [Al-Anfal: 27], and the words of the Prophet (peace be upon him): "Whoever cheats us is not of us." A person appearing to have accomplished something he did not do is among the great sins. Allah Almighty says: ﴿And never think that those who rejoice in what they have perpetrated and like to be praised for what they did not do - never think them [to be] in safety from the punishment, and for them will be a painful punishment.﴾ [Al 'Imran: 188].

If the course instructor is absent and assigns difficult projects and exams without references, compelling students to cheat to pass them, then it is permissible for the student to do what people do to ward off apparent harm, while exerting the utmost possible effort in studying and understanding, based on the words of Allah Almighty: ﴿So fear Allah as much as you are able﴾ [At-Taghabun: 16].

Whoever cheated in their studies and works with their degree: if they are not proficient in their work, then their salary is unlawful (haram), and it is not permissible for them to practice the profession due to the harm it causes to others. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever practices medicine without having been known to practice medicine before, he is liable." However, if they are proficient in their work, their salary is lawful (halal), and they must repent for the previous cheating.