Does Returning a Bribe Remove the Sin of Accepting It?
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
Does returning a small bribe remove the sin if I did not ask for it?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
Bribery is unlawful in Islam regardless of whether it was solicited or not. Knowingly accepting a bribe, even one you did not ask for, makes you sinful. Returning it and sincerely repenting are both required, and it is hoped that doing so will erase the sin.
The Ruling on Bribery in Islam
Bribery is unlawful in Islam. It is prohibited to give a bribe, and it is likewise prohibited to accept a bribe. This ruling is clear and well-established.
There is, however, a limited exception mentioned by scholars. This applies to situations in which a person has no other means of obtaining what is rightfully theirs. In other words, a person is prevented from exercising their legitimate rights by others’ corruption, and the only way to regain those rights is to pay a bribe. In such circumstances, where the individual is merely seeking what already belongs to them and is not attempting to gain something unjustly, paying the bribe may be permitted due to necessity.
Even in this context, bribery remains fundamentally prohibited and is only tolerated in exceptional circumstances where no alternative exists.
Textual Evidence Regarding Bribery
The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said,
“May the curse of Allah be upon the one who gives a bribe and the one who takes it.” [Abu Dawud]
Allah Most High also states in the Quran,
“Do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly, nor deliberately bribe authorities to devour a portion of others’ property, knowing that it is a sin.” [Quran 2:188]
These texts clearly indicate the gravity and seriousness of bribery in Islam.
Accepting a Bribe Without Request
If a person does not ask for a bribe, but someone gives them money which is clearly intended as a bribe, then the giver bears the sin of offering it. However, the recipient becomes sinful upon knowingly accepting it. The fact that the bribe was not requested does not absolve the person of the sin of acceptance, as long as they are aware that it is a bribe.
Repentance and Rectification
If a person accepts a bribe knowing it is a bribe, repentance is required. As part of sincere repentance, the money should be returned. One must also turn to Allah Most High in repentance, fulfilling the conditions of tawbah. By doing so and returning what was taken unlawfully, it is hoped that the sin will be erased.
A Broader Ethical Reminder
As Muslims, we should be deeply concerned about corruption. Just as we object to corruption in others, we must also ensure that we do not fall into it ourselves. Upholding justice and integrity is a responsibility that begins with one’s own actions.
And Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan (Allah have mercy on him), who taught there.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has been the Director of the Discover Islam Center and, for 6 years, the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen in Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has 15 years of teaching experience at some of Cape Town’s leading Islamic institutes. He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy Prophetic living and fitness.
