Is it permissible for a doctor to give a sick leave to any person, especially to employees, when that person does not actually need this leave?

The questioner : A questioner asks: Is it permissible for a doctor to give a sick leave to any person, especially to employees, when that person does not actually need this leave, and the doctor has not examined this person or checked on him? Does the doctor sin if he gives the patient a sick leave longer than what he deserves?

The Shaykh : In *al-Bukhari and Muslim*, it is narrated from Abu Bakrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: There is no doubt that if a doctor gives a person a sick leave while he is not sick, there is no doubt that he has spoken falsehood and testified to falsehood, and that he is sinful and has committed a major sin among the greatest of major sins. Likewise, the one who took this leave is sinful, a liar to the responsible authorities, and one who consumes wealth unjustly, for the salary corresponding to this leave was taken without right. Similarly, if he gives him more than he needs, such as needing three days of sick leave and being given four, then this is forbidden and among the greatest of major sins. The truth is that whenever a person thinks about these matters, he wonders how this happens in the affairs of the Muslim. Are we not all Muslims? Does not the religion of Islam forbid this? Does not pure reason, apart from faith, forbid this? The answer is yes, but unfortunately, this happens among Muslims and becomes a mark of shame on the forehead of every Muslim. Now, some fools say that the disbelievers are more honest than the Muslims, more truthful than the Muslims, and more faithful than the Muslims. This may be true in some cases, but we say to them that the religion of Islam is more perfect than all other religions, the methodology of Islam is better than all methodologies, and the law of Islam is above all laws. But who is the source of the calamity? The calamity is from the people of Islam, not from Islam. As long as I am a man who belongs to Islam, takes pride in it, is proud of it, and hopes for the reward of Allah through it, why do I contradict the law of Islam? Why do I speak falsehood? Why do I testify to falsehood? Why do I consume wealth unjustly? Why do I betray the responsible authorities? All of this is what caused the lagging of the Muslims and the dominance of their enemies over them. Our Muslim brothers in some Islamic regions are slaughtered like sheep, they are killed in a way that their sanctities are violated, their children are taken captive, and their wealth is plundered. Why? All of this? Because of our sins and disobedience. So we ask Allah to treat us with His forgiveness and to help us against our enemies.