The Ruling on Intermediation and Intercession in People's Affairs

Question:
What is the Islamic view on the intermediations present in all government affairs, including King Abdulaziz University—as he put it?

Answer:
Intermediations are of two types: intermediation for good, and intermediation for evil.
As for intermediation in good, increasing it, and benefiting the Muslims, this is a righteous and prescribed intermediation. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: . So, the one who intercedes with Dr. Abdullah to have so-and-so accepted in such-and-such, in a position he deserves in the university, or to raise his salary in his job because he deserves it, or similar rights that the intercessor knows the person for whom he is interceding is worthy of, or says if he is worthy of it; there is no harm in that.
As for intermediation in what Allah has forbidden: it is not permissible to intercede for a person to be given what Allah has forbidden him, or to be placed in a position that does not suit him, or similar matters. This type of intermediation is not valid.
So, the result is that intermediation varies: if it is in good, it is prescribed; and if it is in what Allah has forbidden—such as interceding for him in bribery, or interceding for him in unlawful sexual intercourse, or interceding in intoxicants, or in smoking, or in other such things—then that is not permissible. So, the means is according to the end: if the end is good, the intermediation is good; and if the end is bad and forbidden, the intermediation is forbidden.