Is it permissible to pay a bribe to obtain a school certificate and pass the baccalaureate exam in order to pursue university studies?
Bribery is forbidden and is considered a major sin, based on the Almighty's saying: "And do not consume your properties among yourselves through falsehood, and do not present it to the rulers that you may knowingly consume a portion of the properties of the people sinfully." [Al-Baqarah: 188] And according to the Prophet's (PBUH) saying: "The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) cursed the one who gives bribes and the one who takes them."
If you are not entitled to the certificate, then paying a bribe to obtain it is impermissible and is considered a major sin. However, if you are entitled to the certificate and there are obstacles preventing you from obtaining it except by paying a bribe, then it is permissible for you to pay, and the sin falls upon the one who takes it, because it is a means to attain one's rights.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Original fatwa ID
- 19016
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- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy