What is the ruling on money received from relatives as a gift for academic excellence achieved through cheating on exams, and then giving this money away with the intention of getting rid of it, rather than with the intention of charity on behalf of its original owners?
There is no objection to benefiting from a graduation gift despite cheating in exams, for the gift is a bestowal intended to honor the recipient.
As for funds of unknown origin, they are disbursed with the intention of getting rid of them, and one's responsibility is thereby cleared. It is not a condition to intend charity on behalf of their owners; rather, it counts for them, and the one disposing of the funds acts as a representative of the owner of the wealth.
If the owner of the money cannot be identified, it should be spent on general Muslim welfare, such as bridges and mosques, or given as charity to the poor, because it is akin to repaying debts and returning trusts to their owners.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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