What is the ruling on completing a master's thesis in which some of the results' values were altered to conform with previous studies, and is the money earned from working with this degree considered unlawful, and am I obligated to give charity for this deception?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Cheating and deception are forbidden in Islam, and whoever cheats is not one of us [Muslims]. A Muslim must avoid lying and cheating. Whoever cheated in their studies should rectify the situation if possible, even if it leads to a delay in graduation, as this is a form of repentance. If they are unable to do so, they must seek forgiveness, show remorse, and resolve not to return to cheating. As for working with the certificate and the resulting salary, there is no harm in it.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/117600
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 117600
- 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