Wage in return for agency is not bribery

30-1-2014 | IslamWeb

Question:

As-Salaamu ‘Alaykum
I own an office which provides many services. I fulfill people's needs— which are mostly difficult to fulfill— in return for money. Fulfilling this need or task does not harm others. Is the earned compensation considered bribery? Is it a lawful or ill-gotten gain? May Allaah Keep us away from unlawful gain.

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Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His Slave and Messenger.

Agency is approved by the Sharee‘ah. It is permissible to be an agent and take a wage for every act that is valid to be done by oneself. Al-Qurtubi said, “Agency is a contract of authorization which Allaah Permitted due to the need for it and the benefit involved. It is not possible for everyone to deal with all of his affairs without the help of others, or just out of seeking comfort, therefore he authorizes someone to help him.”

Hence, it is permissible to take a sum of money in return for services and fulfilling needs. This is not considered bribery.

Allaah Knows best.