Buying a Driver’s Licence

Q1.  Is it permissible to buy a driver’s licence?

A1. No, it is not permissible as one will be breaking the law of the country. It is necessary  for us, as Muslims, to abide by the rules and regulations of the country, particularly when the laws of the country do not contradict the Shariah in any way. Furthermore, if a person is caught paying a bribe or buying a license, he or she will be humiliated, and this will be a means of humiliation not only upon one’s self, but upon the Muslim Ummah at large. It is not permissible to bring humiliation upon the Ummah. 

In conclusion, it is not correct for a Muslim to buy a license, nor pay a bribe.

(افترض عليه إجابته) لأن طاعة الإمام فيما ليس بمعصية فرض فكيف فيما هو طاعة بدائع (قوله: افترض عليه إجابته) والأصل فيه قوله تعالى {وأولي الأمر منكم} [النساء: 59] وقال – صلى الله عليه وسلم – «اسمعوا وأطيعوا ولو أمر عليكم عبد حبشي أجدع» وروي «مجدع» وعن ابن عمر أنه – عليه الصلاة والسلام – قال وإلا لزم بيتهز

(الدر المختار و حاشية ابن عابدين 4/264)

Also, consider the following Hadith:

قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: “لا ينبغي للمؤمن أن يذل نفسه” قالوا: وكيف يذل نفسه؟ قال: “يتعرض من البلاء لما لا يطيق.” (سنن الترمذي# 2254)

Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam said, “It is not appropriate for a believer to humiliate himself.” The Sahabah Radiallahu Anhum said: “How does he humiliate himself?” Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam replied: “He presents himself to such a trial which he cannot bear.”

Q2. Is it permissible to pay a bribe to pass a driver’s license test if one cannot pass the test due to nerves, or, if one suspects corruption but without any solid proof for it?

A2. No, it is not permissible.

ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!

ANSWERED BY:

Mufti Abdul Kader Fazlani

Date: 10 Dhul Qa’dah 1446 / 09 May 2025

CHECKED AND APPROVED BY:

Mufti Yacoob Vally Saheb