Obtaining government contracts through bribery

Question:

Most of the government contracts are afforded to individuals that bribe government officials. Without bribing, it is almost impossible to secure a contract. Under such circumstances, is one permitted to bribe officials?

Answer:-

Allah Ta’ala has taken the sole responsibility of providing for every creation. This is mentioned in various verses of the Quraan Sharif, some of which we will quote below:

And do not kill your children for fear of poverty (fearing that you will become poor by providing for them.) We provide for you and for them as well. [Verse 151; Surah 6]

The responsibility of sustaining every creature on earth rests with Allah. [Verse 6; Surah 11]

Instruct your family to perform Salaah and (you) yourself must remain steadfast on it. We do not ask provision from you, but We provide for you. [Verse 132; Surah 20]

How many animals do not carry their own provision (as man does)?(Despite this) Allah (still) sustains them and you as well. [Verse 60; Surah 29]

Our sustenance has already been written and we shall receive whatever is destined by Allah Ta’ala without any increase or decrease. Now, if we were unable to secure a municipal or government contract (for whatever reason), then this shouldn’t concern or worry us, as Allah Ta’ala has taken the sole responsibility of providing for His servants. Therefore, trying to secure a contract through bribery is not permitted.

We as Muslims should firmly believe that if a particular contract is not secured (by us) then it was not meant for us, and on the contrary, if it is meant for us then it will definitely reach us, even though others may attempt to secure it through corruption. In conclusion, paying a bribe (which is Haraam) to secure a contract is not permitted.

ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!

ANSWERED BY:

Mufti Mohammed Desai

Date: 30 Rabi-ul-Aakhir 1434 / 05 December 2021