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Fatwa CenterDoes not pray because he takes bribery
Question
In fact I am Government sector employee where salaries are not sufficient for life survives. So, no other way to get on except bribe (Rishwath).To avoid to take that bribe I went Gulf for employment, but I have not success in that also. But I performed prayer when I was at Gulf due to as I got Halaal income. Now I am not performing prayer due to I am taking bribe which is not allowable in Islam. My cons till I am trying for good opportunity in Gulf. But I am to success to get Halaal Income. So please advice me that how to performance prayer when taking bribe which is not unavoidable.
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad 
is His slave and Messenger.
First of all, you should know that abandoning the prayer is disbelief that takes a person out of the fold of Islam as we have mentioned in Fatwa 84390.
The person who performs the prayer and takes bribery is better than the one who does not perform the prayer at all even if he does not take bribery. Because abandoning the prayer is disbelief that takes one out of the fold of Islam according to the preponderant opinion of the Muslim scholars. But taking bribery is among the great major sins which does not reach the stage of taking a person out of the fold of Islam. So, a person who takes pribery is a Muslim though he is sinful for taking it.
Therefore, you have to repent immediately without any hesitation or procrastination and you must start performing the prayer as Allaah ordered you. Indeed, you are in a very dangerous situation and you cannot bear the punishment of Allaah.
Also, you have to repent to Allaah for taking bribery and you should be content with what Allaah has provided you. Know that if you give up bribery because of your fear of Allaah, then Allaah Says (what means): {… And whoever fears Allaah—He will make for him a way out. And will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allaah — then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allaah will accomplish His purpose. Allaah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent.} [Quran 65:2-3]
Allaah also Says (what means): {And whoever fears Allaah — He will make for him of his matter ease.}[Quran 65:4].
Therefore, if you insist on taking bribery, then you should know that you are sinful, you are in danger and you are exposing yourself to the punishment of Allaah, but you remain a Muslim if you perform the prayer. However, abandoning the prayer is really a great disaster, so you have to fear Allaah and hasten to perform the prayer.
We supplicate Allaah to guide you to the right path.
Allaah Knows best.
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