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Fatwa CenterEnrolling in the university with a certificate he got after cheating in exams
Question
I did my secondary exams last year. During one of my exams the teachers helped us when she was not meant to. This exam accounted for about 30% of the mark for the whole subject. I though this was cheating so I repeated my exams and got a new certificate with the same mark. The problem is that if I apply to the university with the second certificate then they may not accept me or my chances will be very slim. Is it permissible to use my first certificate?
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. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.
Allowing cheating in exams is one of the great calamities and afflictions, and this is forbidden. One is obliged to object according to his ability to those who cheat or allow people to cheat. The Prophet 
said: "Whoever amongst you sees an evil, he should change it with his hand (i.e. physically), if he is unable, he should change it with his tongue (i.e. verbally) and if he is unable, he should change it with his heart (by detesting it in his heart) and that is the weakest level of faith." [Muslim] The Prophet further said: "Whoever cheats us is not one of us." [Muslim] So, you are obliged to repent to Allaah as we clarified in Fatwa 81709, so please refer to it.
Indeed you did well when you took the exam for the second time, may Allaah reward you for seeking what is permissible. However, if it is not possible for you to enrol with the second certificate, we do not see any harm in enrolling with the first certificate since the mark is the same.
Allaah Knows best.
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