Is paying money to gendarmes and police officers, despite abiding by the laws, considered a bribe or a gift?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Bribery is forbidden by Islamic law and is one of the major sins. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, cursed the one who gives and the one who takes bribes. However, bribery is permissible for one who cannot attain their right or rid themselves of injustice except by paying it, and in such a case, the sin falls upon the receiver, not the giver. As for taking a bribe, it is absolutely forbidden. There is no blame in working in a profession, even if you are exposed to giving a bribe and find no alternative but to pay it, for the sin is upon them, not upon you.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/127315
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 127315
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy