What is the ruling of Islamic law on taking a percentage of money from foreign companies in exchange for mediation to supply the company I work for – which is experiencing financial hardship – with raw materials, knowing that my manager will refuse this matter? And what is the ruling on fraud and manipulation regarding taxes and customs duties that are arbitrarily estimated or double the value of the goods, thereby harming the merchant?

The answer addresses several matters:

1. Brokerage (Simsara): Jurists have permitted it as a "ju'alah" (commission/fee for a service) on condition that the fee is known. It is not permissible for it to be a percentage of the profit according to the majority of scholars, while some have permitted it.

2. Taking a brokerage fee by an employee:

Outside working hours: Permissible, provided it does not affect their primary work or constitute a circumvention.

During working hours: Not permissible without the company's permission; otherwise, the fee belongs to the company.

3. Tax and customs evasion: Reference was made to previous fatwas that addressed this topic.