What is the ruling on paying a bribe to customs?

The questioner : Paying a bribe, as you have learned from the tapes, to nullify a right or to establish a falsehood.

The Shaykh : Well done!

The questioner : I was asked in some of the tapes about paying a bribe to a customs officer.

The Shaykh : Yes.

The questioner : I answered that it is not permissible.

The Shaykh : Yes, exactly.

The questioner : Which opinion should we follow?

The Shaykh : There is no contradiction between the two opinions; because when a bribe is given to customs, the matter may be exposed, and the Islamic call may be struck and stabbed, and it will be said that these religious people do such and such. So giving a bribe to reach the right remains as you heard: it is permissible, and it is forbidden for the one who takes it, but it is not forbidden for the one who gives it. However, if the bribe is in a situation where it is feared that it will be exposed, then in this case we say it is not permissible.

The questioner : May Allah reward you with good.