Is a Christmas gift given to a manager to strengthen a relationship with them considered a bribe, and if so, what should one do to atone for it, fearing the curse mentioned in the Hadith: "May Allah curse the one who gives bribes and the one who takes them"?
The difference between a gift and a bribe is that a bribe is a means by which one achieves the substantiation of falsehood or the invalidation of truth, and similar evil intentions. It is considered a bribe whether the briber explicitly states his intention or conceals it, and whether he desires his corrupt objective immediately or in the future. The briber is cursed and must repent and not return to such a sin. Scholars have stated that giving a gift to a person in authority to make him do what is impermissible is forbidden for both parties, and it is a form of bribery. As for a gift, its purpose is to honor a person out of love, friendship, knowledge, piety, or to request a permissible, non-obligatory need, and it is recommended if it conforms to the legitimate description.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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