What is the ruling on evading customs duties, and what is the ruling on paying bribes to customs officials, taking into account that customs funds are used in development projects that benefit citizens, and that evasion and bribery negatively affect the national economy and the supreme interests of the state?

The Mufti issues a ruling based on what he hears. If the questioner errs or lies, this does not make unlawful what is lawful for him, nor does it make lawful what is unlawful for him. Taxes and customs duties are, in principle, an unlawful appropriation of a Muslim's wealth, unless the state's resources are insufficient for the needs of the Ummah and the interests of the people, and they are imposed to meet these needs to the extent that fulfills the purpose without injustice. In this case, it is not permissible to evade them. Based on this detailed explanation, the ruling on evading taxes and customs duties, or paying bribes to avoid them, is established as a means of minimizing harm. Likewise, the economy of the Ummah and public interests must be safeguarded.