Bribe for government visa for student to complete studies

4-11-2002 | IslamWeb

Question:

What is the Hokum of the bribe which is given to the non-Muslim government to remove obstacles or difficulties of visa extension. I am a student and must complete the course, so I need the visa. In this case what will be the Hokum?

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Answer:

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the World; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.

It is stated in Sharia that taking bribe constitutes a major sin. al-Tirmizi recorded in his book al-Sunan from Abdullah Ibn 'Amr (Radiya Allahu Anhu) who said: "Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) cursed one who givesr bribe and one who receives it" . Good and sound Hadith.
Thus, it becomes clear that it is Haram to request and receive bribe, since all those who participate in bribery are cursed, i.e. giver, receiver, broker.
Bribery is used to change falsehood into right and vice versa, i.e. to take the others' rights. But, it is permissible to give a bribe to receive your right, turn away some harm. Here, a receiver is sinful, not the giver.
Thus, if our brother inquirer cannot reach his right (without harming others) it is permitted to give a bribe for such a goal (to continue studies) if there is no other Halal means.
Allah knows best.