Is paying money to get a matter settled considered a bribe, given that the matter is not settled unless money is paid?
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The questioner : The questioner says: Your Eminence, in some countries, a person often cannot get one of his matters settled unless he pays a sum of money to the official in charge of that matter. It is common and well known that your matter will not be settled unless you pay so much to so-and-so. Does this count as a bribe when you are trying to get your matter resolved? I ask for a detailed explanation because most people in the country fall into this situation. May Allah reward you with good.
The Shaykh : The scholars say: "If a person pays money to secure his right, it is not a bribe, but the sin is on the one who takes it." So if these officials cannot fulfill your need, which they are obligated to fulfill, except by taking a bribe, then give it to them, and the sin is on them. However, if it is possible to report their case to the authorities so that they may discipline them, then do not give them anything; report their case instead. But the common situation in the countries the questioner is referring to is that this is not possible. Therefore, a person must extract his right by any means. If he gives them something to have his transaction processed, there is no blame on him, and the sin is on the one who takes it. This is what the scholars said.
And with this, this session ends. We thank you for listening, and we ask Allah for benefit for us and for you. Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, and upon his family and all his Companions.
The questioner : May Allah reward our esteemed Shaykh with the best reward, and may He send prayers, blessings, and peace upon His servant and Messenger Muhammad.
The Shaykh : The scholars say: "If a person pays money to secure his right, it is not a bribe, but the sin is on the one who takes it." So if these officials cannot fulfill your need, which they are obligated to fulfill, except by taking a bribe, then give it to them, and the sin is on them. However, if it is possible to report their case to the authorities so that they may discipline them, then do not give them anything; report their case instead. But the common situation in the countries the questioner is referring to is that this is not possible. Therefore, a person must extract his right by any means. If he gives them something to have his transaction processed, there is no blame on him, and the sin is on the one who takes it. This is what the scholars said.
And with this, this session ends. We thank you for listening, and we ask Allah for benefit for us and for you. Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, and upon his family and all his Companions.
The questioner : May Allah reward our esteemed Shaykh with the best reward, and may He send prayers, blessings, and peace upon His servant and Messenger Muhammad.