The Reality of the Tip
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Fatwa No. ( 16547 )
Q: I used to work in one of the agencies responsible for hudud (fixed punishments) with the rank of soldier. Vehicles loaded with goods would pass through the center where we were located, and their owners would give us money, which they called a tip, so that we would help them clear customs, and no customs duties were charged on their goods. I received an amount of about twenty thousand riyals from this work and added it to my salary and the sheep owned by my father. We bought a Mercedes truck with it, and it was involved in an accident that cost twenty-three thousand riyals to repair. At this time, I want to get rid of this money that came to me, as I am constantly anxious about it. I hope you will issue a fatwa on this matter.
A: This tip is, in reality, a bribe, which is not permissible. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) cursed the one who gives the bribe, the one who takes it, and the one who acts as an intermediary. So you must repent and seek forgiveness, and return the amounts to their owners if you know them. If you do not know them, then give it in charity on their behalf to the poor and the needy. Do not return to such a thing. May Allah grant us and you success. And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Q: I used to work in one of the agencies responsible for hudud (fixed punishments) with the rank of soldier. Vehicles loaded with goods would pass through the center where we were located, and their owners would give us money, which they called a tip, so that we would help them clear customs, and no customs duties were charged on their goods. I received an amount of about twenty thousand riyals from this work and added it to my salary and the sheep owned by my father. We bought a Mercedes truck with it, and it was involved in an accident that cost twenty-three thousand riyals to repair. At this time, I want to get rid of this money that came to me, as I am constantly anxious about it. I hope you will issue a fatwa on this matter.
A: This tip is, in reality, a bribe, which is not permissible. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) cursed the one who gives the bribe, the one who takes it, and the one who acts as an intermediary. So you must repent and seek forgiveness, and return the amounts to their owners if you know them. If you do not know them, then give it in charity on their behalf to the poor and the needy. Do not return to such a thing. May Allah grant us and you success. And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Source
www.alifta.gov.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.