What is the ruling on taking a sum of money in exchange for assistance in obtaining housing from the governorate, knowing that housing cannot be obtained except by paying a certain amount, and the wages for effort, transportation, and other expenses have been calculated from this amount?

The answer is summarized in two cases:

First case: If the man is entitled to housing, and the money is paid to obtain it, then the money is not forbidden for the payer (the entitled man); rather, it is forbidden bribery for the receiver. The agent is permitted to deliver the money without taking anything from it, unless the man gives it to him willingly.

Second case: If the man is not entitled to housing, and he pays the money to take it unlawfully, then the money is forbidden bribery for him and for its receiver. The agent is not permitted to deliver the money or take anything for it, because the one who mediates between the briber and the bribed is included in the Prophet's (peace be upon him) curse upon the briber, the bribed, and the mediator.