What is the ruling on paying a bribe to secure contracts for supplying materials to government departments in Iraq, given that tenders are not awarded except by paying a bribe, and there is no fair competition?

The general rule is that bribery is forbidden and considered among the major sins, based on the hadith: "The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) cursed the one who offers a bribe, the one who takes it, and the one who mediates between them." However, a bribe through which a person obtains their right or repels injustice or harm is permissible, and the sin falls on the

receiver, not the giver. So, if your company cannot win a deserved tender except by paying a bribe to the responsible employees, it is permissible to pay it, and the sin is on the bribed party.