Is it permissible to take an extended paid leave for 5 or 6 months after maternity leave, by submitting monthly medical certificates to justify the absence, in order to stay with the infant, knowing that the direct supervisor allows it?
Writing a false medical certificate is considered forgery and a forbidden lie, due to Allah Almighty's saying: "So avoid the uncleanness of idols and avoid false statement" (Quran 22:30), and the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Shall I not inform you of the greatest of the great sins? ...Indeed, it is false speech and false witness." Falsehood is describing something contrary to its reality.
It is not permissible to request a forged medical certificate for an employee capable of working, unless the employer is the owner of the business, such as their private company, in which case they have the right to dispose of it and grant salaries without work. However, in public government jobs, dispositions are only permissible for the benefit of the work, and requesting an untrue medical certificate is not such a case. One must be cautious of consuming public funds unjustly, for the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Indeed, there are men who delve into the wealth of Allah without right, and for them is the Fire on the Day of Resurrection."
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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