Is obtaining a university degree online, and then using it for experience and applying for a job, considered fraud and deception?
If the certificate is granted based on an exam, a recommendation from a reliable source, or practical experience, then there is no harm in acquiring and benefiting from it. However, if it is merely forgery and acquisition without merit, then it is among the forbidden forms of forgery prohibited by Islamic law, based on the Almighty’s saying: "So avoid the word of falsehood," and the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) saying: "Beware! And the word of falsehood and false testimony." Forgery includes deception in documents and imitation of handwriting with the intention of fraud.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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