What is the ruling on a woman who obtained a government job through an illicit relationship and intercession (wasta), then repented and regretted it? Is her salary considered unlawful, and must she leave the job?

We ask Allah to accept her repentance and erase her sin, for forbidden relationships are a sin and a disgrace. However, Allah's forgiveness for those who repent is not overwhelmed by any sin, even if it were shirk (associating partners with Allah). Whoever repents with sincere repentance, their sin is forgiven no matter how great it was, in accordance with His, the Almighty's, saying: "Say, 'O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.'" And Allah loves those who repent and rejoices at His servant's repentance; rather, He replaces their evil deeds with good deeds, as stated in His, the Almighty's, saying: "Except for those who repent, believe, and do righteous deeds. For them Allah will change their evil deeds into good ones. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful." Part of sincere repentance is avoiding the causes of sin. As for the work salary, its lawfulness depends on performing the duties of the job as required, and the method of appointment does not affect its permissibility. Thus, there is no harm for the girl in remaining in her job as long as she performs the work as required.