I am a young man who works in a place where there is bribery, and my salary is not enough for more than ten days of the month. Should I take a reasonable amount from the bribe to meet the family's needs, or not?
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The questioner : I am a young man who works in a place where there is bribery, and my salary is not enough for more than ten days of the month. Should I take a reasonable amount from the bribe to meet the family's needs, or not? And what is the ruling of the Shari'ah in your view regarding this issue?
The Shaykh : The answer is that taking a bribe is from *suhht* (illicit earnings) and consuming wealth by wrongdoing. There has come from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) regarding it a warning that necessitates every believer to stay away from it. It is not permissible for you to take a bribe for the sake of your need; rather, it is obligatory for you to perform your job completely and give every right-holder his right. That salary you are given has been made for you in exchange for this work. If the salary is not enough for you except for ten days of the month, perhaps you will find another profession with which you can occupy all your time.[At-Talaq 65:2-3] And He the Exalted said: [At-Talaq 65:4].
The questioner : May Allah reward you, esteemed Shaykh, and may He magnify your reward.
The Shaykh : The answer is that taking a bribe is from *suhht* (illicit earnings) and consuming wealth by wrongdoing. There has come from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) regarding it a warning that necessitates every believer to stay away from it. It is not permissible for you to take a bribe for the sake of your need; rather, it is obligatory for you to perform your job completely and give every right-holder his right. That salary you are given has been made for you in exchange for this work. If the salary is not enough for you except for ten days of the month, perhaps you will find another profession with which you can occupy all your time.
And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out (3) And will provide for him from where he does not expect.
وَمَنْ يَتَّقِ اللَّهَ يَجْعَلْ لَهُ مَخْرَجًا * وَيَرْزُقْهُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لا يَحْتَسِبُAnd whoever fears Allah - He will make for him of his matter ease.
وَمَنْ يَتَّقِ اللَّهَ يَجْعَلْ لَهُ مِنْ أَمْرِهِ يُسْرًاThe questioner : May Allah reward you, esteemed Shaykh, and may He magnify your reward.