Is it permissible for this pharmacist to enter into a business partnership to open a pharmacy with a person who will cover the expenses and permits, knowing that she does not know the source of his money and fears that obtaining the permit may be through favoritism (wasta) or bribery, which could strip another person of their right?

The question includes three points: the method of contracting, the lack of acquaintance with the person, and the possibility of obtaining the license through bribery or mediation.

First point: The person's proposal to cover expenses and the license in exchange for your friend doing the work or appointing someone else, with a profit-sharing arrangement. If your friend does the work herself: This is a permissible lease (ijara), but the majority of scholars do not permit the wage to be a share of the profit, while some have allowed it. If she appoints someone else: If the intention is for her to receive a fee for the pharmacy being in her name, this falls under the price of influence (thaman al-jah), which is not permissible.

Second point: Your friend's acquaintance with the aforementioned person is not a condition for the permissibility of contracting with him, and one should not harbor ill suspicions without proof.

Last point: If files are processed according to their order of arrival, it is not permissible to alter this through mediation or bribery. However, if the officials disregard this and prioritize those who pay bribes or use mediation, then it is permissible to offer a bribe or use mediation in this case to obtain one's right, and the sin falls upon the one who compelled the bribe.