The Ruling on Cheating in Examinations

Question:
'Abd al-Rahim from Riyadh, please go ahead, 'Abd al-Rahim. May Allah keep you in good health, O Shaykh. I was just asking you a question. Since it is exam season, we have students who rely on cheating. I want to know if this is forbidden or not, regarding future employment. Thank you. Yes. He says: In exam season, some young students rely on cheating, O Honorable Shaykh.

Answer:
Cheating is not permissible for Muslims in general, whether students or others. The Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Cheating by students is even more severe because they are students of knowledge, and a student of knowledge is expected to be trustworthy and not to cheat. Also, this leads in the future to presenting someone who is not sincere and did not pass his exam legitimately, but passed through cheating and lying, and he is placed ahead of other diligent students in their studies. It also results in trust being placed in him if he is given a position in the affairs of the Muslims, and if he is not qualified, he will not perform the work as required. This leads to many harms. Yes.