Ruling on paying money to secure a job through an intermediary

The questioner:
He says: Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success. About two months ago, I graduated from one of the mosques. Out of my desire and eagerness to be appointed in the city of Ta'if, where my family resides, my uncle acted as an intermediary between me and a person close to those in charge of appointments, on the condition that I pay him five thousand riyals for my uncle to deliver to this person. I am hesitant to give them this amount. Please issue a ruling for us, may Allah reward you.

The Shaykh:
This is a bribe. You are the one giving the bribe, the employee who takes the bribe is the one receiving it, and the one acting as an intermediary between you two is the one facilitating it. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) cursed , and he is the one who acts as an intermediary between them. Yes.

The questioner:
But Shaykh, let him take the money from outside the administration.

The Shaykh:
No, even if it is from outside, he is an intermediary. He is facilitating the bribe. He is the one facilitating it. Yes.