What is the ruling on offering a sum of money to a government employee to expedite a very urgent transaction, with the belief that it is a bribe, and can atonement be made for that later?

Paying money to an employee to expedite transactions is forbidden, as it constitutes bribery and unlawful gifts, which are major sins that lead to the corruption of both lands and people. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) "cursed the one who gives bribes and the one who takes them." If the delay is not due to the employee, then it is not permissible to pay money; rather, one must be patient or address the official in charge. It is not permissible to commit forbidden acts under the pretext of repentance, as bribery has no expiation in Islamic law.