His Boss Takes Bribe and Gives Him Part of It

23-6-2019 | IslamWeb

Question:

السلام عليكم
My Question is that, I am working in a government financial institution with my boss in the same office, if my boss collect a bribe and later give me part of it, what is the Islamic position on the money if I use it to feed my family? Or if I use it for a charity like helping the needy or building a masjid will I have a reward of good deeds?

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Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

It is not permissible for you to take anything from the money of bribery that your manager – or anyone else – gives you; rather, you are obliged to forbid him from this evil and advise him and remind him of Allah, and inform him that this is neither permissible for him nor for you.

The money obtained from bribery is forbidden money and taking bribery is one of the grave major sins.

Allah Says (what means): {[They are] avid listeners to falsehood, devourers of [what is] unlawful.} [Quran 5:42]

Ibn Katheer said:

“{Devourers of [what is] unlawful}; means what is forbidden, which is bribery, as stated by Ibn Mas’ood.” [End of quote]

Also, ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr said: “The Prophet cursed the one who bribes and the one who takes bribe.” [Abu Dawood and at-Tirmithi who classified it as Saheeh (authentic)]

Donating in charity from the money of bribery or other money that is ill-gotten is not accepted by Allah as Allah is Tayyib (which implies pure) and He does not accept that which is evil.

The Prophet said: “O people, Allah is Tayyib (which implies pure), and He does not accept except that which is pure. Allah has commanded the believers to do what He has commanded the Messengers, for He said: {O messengers, eat from the good foods and work righteousness. Indeed, I, of what you do, am Knowing} [Quran :51] and He said, {Eat from the good things with which We have provided you.}” [Quran 2:172]

Then the Prophet mentioned a traveler, who is disheveled and dusty, on a long journey, and he stretches forth his hands to the sky, saying: “O my Lord! O my Lord!” while his food is unlawful, his drink is unlawful, his clothing is unlawful, and he is nourished unlawfully; how can he (expect to) be answered? [Muslim]

For more benefit on bribery, please refer to Fataawa 10376, 293908, 99613, 90510, and 83777.

Allah knows best.