What is the ruling on a contract concluded with a government entity that was obtained through an intermediary, in exchange for paying 20% of the contract's value to the intermediary? What are the implications for the contract if it is impermissible or subject to doubt? Is it permissible to terminate the contract with the project owner or to annul the contract with the intermediary and not give him the agreed-upon percentage?

The issue of exerting influence (būdhul al-jāh), meaning leveraging one's position to help someone obtain their right, allows for compensation to be taken if it is known and specified, not an unknown percentage. If the wage is unknown, then he is only entitled to a reasonable wage (ajr mithlihi).

However, if the percentage is fixed and disproportionate to the effort exerted, it is forbidden due to the injustice and exploitation involved, and because Allah Almighty says: "And do not consume your properties among yourselves in falsehood" (Quran 2:188).

Therefore, if the agreement is to pay a percentage from every future contract, it is void. However, the nullification of this agreement does not affect the contract with the entity you started working with. But if the agreement is for a specific percentage to be paid to him in installments, there is no objection to it, provided it is permissible for him to take compensation for his influence.