What is the method for disposing of money acquired through bribery after repentance? Should it be returned to its owners, given to the poor and needy, or spent on general Muslim welfare? Does seeking forgiveness from the briber after repentance suffice as a means of disposal for this money? And if I currently do not possess enough money to return the ill-gotten gains, what is the way to do so?

The original ruling on bribery is prohibition, based on the Almighty's saying: "Listeners to falsehood, devourers of illicit gain," and His saying: "And do not consume your property among yourselves in falsehood." Also, based on the hadith: "The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, cursed the briber, the bribed, and the intermediary."

Bribery is permissible according to the majority of scholars if it is used to obtain a right or avert harm, and the sin falls upon the recipient of the bribe.

The recipient of the bribe must repent. If the briber paid the bribe rightfully, then the recipient of the bribe must return the money to him or seek his forgiveness. If the owner of the money is not known after searching, then it should be given as charity.

If the briber paid the bribe wrongfully, most scholars believe the amount should be returned to him, while others believe it should be given as charity, which is the fatwa we follow. This is because he paid it by his own choice and received his compensation, and returning it to him would be aiding him in sin.

If the recipient of the bribe does not possess what he can return or give in charity, it remains a debt upon him until he finds the money.