What is the ruling on paying money to officials in companies and exhibitions to facilitate the sale of products, knowing that not paying leads to an inability to sell due to the availability of the same products from other competitors?

It is not permissible for a salesperson to pay money or offer gifts to company employees to motivate them to purchase their goods, even if their company permits it. This is because it is considered a bribe, and bribery is forbidden for both the giver and the receiver. This money or gift influences the employees' decisions and may lead them to buy what their companies do not need or what does not meet the required standards. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, cursed the briber and the bribed.

Similarly, it is not permissible for sales representatives in companies or stores to accept gifts from agencies unless authorized by their employer. This is because these gifts are offered to them due to their work and with the aim of influencing them, not for their personal selves. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, issued a strong warning against accepting work-related gifts without the employer's permission, considering it to be misappropriation (ghulul).