The Ruling on Cheating in Examinations
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Question:
Another issue is raised by our brother Muhammad Yusuf from Jeddah, who says: A bad practice has emerged among school students these days, which is relying entirely on cheating in exams. They do this even during the day in Ramadan. When I told them that this is not permissible, citing the noble hadith:Sunan Ibn Majah 2225Da'if (Darussalam), they excuse themselves by saying that cheating is the best means of passing. It is known that some of them obtain the highest grades through cheating and pass with distinction.
This is what makes me constantly lag behind in my studies because I rely on myself. So, am I wrong? Or is the saying correct where they say: Necessities permit the prohibited?
I ask your Eminence for a comprehensive answer. May Allah reward you with good.
Answer:
Cheating in exams is forbidden and an abomination, like cheating in transactions. It may even be greater than cheating in transactions, because one may obtain major jobs through the cause of cheating. So, cheating is forbidden in exams in all subjects; because of the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in the authentic hadith:Sunan Ibn Majah 2225Da'if (Darussalam), and because it is betrayal, and Allah the Exalted and Majestic says: [Al-Anfal: 27].
So, it is obligatory for students in any subject not to cheat, and to strive in preparing so that they succeed in a lawful manner.
As for you, you have done well in not cheating. You must strive, and you must follow the straight path, even if you lag behind in some subjects. The truth is more deserving of being followed. So, be glad of good and a good outcome.
And if you are sincere in preparation and care, Allah will make your affair easy, as He the Exalted said: [Al-Talaq: 3], and He the Exalted says: [Al-Talaq: 4], and He the Exalted says: [Al-Anfal: 29], the verse. And the Furqan is light, knowledge, and guidance.
So, strive in seeking knowledge through its good path, and be eager to exert effort in acquiring knowledge. Have a good opinion of Allah and ask Him for success. Be glad of good and a good outcome. Do not be deceived by the cheaters, and do not envy them for their cheating, because they have committed a major sin and incurred a great danger. We ask Allah for safety.
The presenter: O Allah, amen. May Allah reward you with good.
Another issue is raised by our brother Muhammad Yusuf from Jeddah, who says: A bad practice has emerged among school students these days, which is relying entirely on cheating in exams. They do this even during the day in Ramadan. When I told them that this is not permissible, citing the noble hadith:
Whoever cheats us is not one of us.
من غشنا فليس مناThis is what makes me constantly lag behind in my studies because I rely on myself. So, am I wrong? Or is the saying correct where they say: Necessities permit the prohibited?
I ask your Eminence for a comprehensive answer. May Allah reward you with good.
Answer:
Cheating in exams is forbidden and an abomination, like cheating in transactions. It may even be greater than cheating in transactions, because one may obtain major jobs through the cause of cheating. So, cheating is forbidden in exams in all subjects; because of the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in the authentic hadith:
Whoever cheats us is not one of us.
من غشنا فليس مناO you who have believed, do not betray Allah and the Messenger or betray your trusts while you know [the consequence].
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لا تَخُونُوا اللَّهَ وَالرَّسُولَ وَتَخُونُوا أَمَانَاتِكُمْ وَأَنْتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَSo, it is obligatory for students in any subject not to cheat, and to strive in preparing so that they succeed in a lawful manner.
As for you, you have done well in not cheating. You must strive, and you must follow the straight path, even if you lag behind in some subjects. The truth is more deserving of being followed. So, be glad of good and a good outcome.
And if you are sincere in preparation and care, Allah will make your affair easy, as He the Exalted said:
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 [الطلاق:2] وَيَرْزُقْهُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لا يَحْتَسِبُAnd whoever fears Allah - He will make for him of his matter ease.
وَمَنْ يَتَّقِ اللَّهَ يَجْعَلْ لَهُ مِنْ أَمْرِهِ يُسْرًاO you who have believed, if you fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِنْ تَتَّقُوا اللَّهَ يَجْعَلْ لَكُمْ فُرْقَانًا ..So, strive in seeking knowledge through its good path, and be eager to exert effort in acquiring knowledge. Have a good opinion of Allah and ask Him for success. Be glad of good and a good outcome. Do not be deceived by the cheaters, and do not envy them for their cheating, because they have committed a major sin and incurred a great danger. We ask Allah for safety.
The presenter: O Allah, amen. May Allah reward you with good.
Source
binbaz.org.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.