What is the ruling on trading and exporting copper, knowing that its export is prohibited by the state, and that an influential person will facilitate the export process in exchange for a sum of money or a percentage? Is it permissible for that person to take compensation for that?

The state is not permitted to prohibit trades that are lawful in Islamic law unless they lead to certain corruption that threatens the five necessities (religion, life, intellect, progeny, and property). In such a case, prohibition is permissible based on the principle of "blocking the means" (sadd al-dhara'i'). Accordingly, if the state's prohibition of copper trade is to avert certain corruption, then trading in it or assisting in it is not permissible. However, if the prohibition is not for that reason, there is no harm in trading, provided that the trader does not incur severe harm. As for taking a fee for facilitating trade in cases where it is permissible, if it is a fee for influence and prestige, it is not permissible, unless he refrains from exerting his effort without money, in which case it is permissible to give him the money and the sin is upon him. If it is a fee for tangible effort and work, then he is entitled to a fair wage for it.