May I Keep Using a Scholarship Won with False Documents Until I Can Repay It?
Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Question
I obtained a scholarship unlawfully, using false internship certificates and an untested medical certificate. I intend to leave soon, but have no income, and my mother’s lawful financial help is nearly exhausted. I’m seeking work before confessing to the university.
Meanwhile, may I use the dorm, wifi, and classes, intending full repayment? May I use the university’s Wi-Fi for online work? Once my money runs out, may I eat heavily subsidized campus meals, or should I keep buying my own food to avoid a double sin?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Merciful and Compassionate.
Wa alaykum al-salam wa rahmatullah.
You’ve written again because you want this done rightly, and Allah sees that. This care and concern is a sign, Allah willing, of the sincerity of your repentance. Remember and rejoice in the reality that Allah loves the truly repentant:
“Verily Allah loves the oft-repentant, and loves those who remain pure from any reproach.” [Quran 2:222; Keller, The Quran Beheld]
From true repentance is to take the steps to rectify after one’s errors, for the sake of Allah. And Allah has promised that He will assist and grant openings for the one who truly repents.
No, it is not permissible to continue using the dorm, classes, meals, or wifi for study or an online job while the university is unaware, and an intention to repay later does not make today’s use lawful. Kindly tell them now; do not wait until you have saved the money.
The Scholarly Context and Basis
Imam Ibn Abidin (Allah have mercy on him) writes, “It is not permissible for any Muslim to take anyone’s wealth without a permitted legal basis.” [Ibn Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar]
What you gained through false documents rests on a basis that never existed, so each day of use, while concealing i,t adds to the wrong.
Allah Most High says, “And do not devour your property between you by foul means.” [Quran 2:188; Keller, The Quran Beheld] The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Whoever cheats us is not of us.” [Muslim]
Buying groceries with the stipend instead of eating in the cafeteria doesn’t avoid this, because the stipend comes from the same grant.
Tell Them Now, While Your Own Money Lasts
Write to the university this week, while your mother’s money still covers your food.
Once they know, whatever they allow you to use while they decide is lawful for you, and whatever they ask back becomes a debt you repay, even slowly.
Ibn Abidin counts returning wrongs to their owners among the conditions of repentance. [Ibn Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar]
Pray two units of the prayer of repentance (salat al-tawba), ask Allah for assistance and facilitation, then send the email.
Allah loves repentance and opens doors of good in ways unimaginable for those who act when tested in line with mindfulness of Allah (taqwa) with reliance on Him. Allah Most High promises:
“… And whoever fears Allah, He grants him a way out of every plight, And provides for him whence he could not even guess; And whoever trusts in Allah, He always suffices; Verily Allah attains His every end. Allah has given everything an exactly determined due measure.” [Quran 65:2–3; Keller, The Quran Beheld]
Whatever the university decides, even if it means going home, you’ll face it with nothing hidden, and that is a lighter load than the one you carry now.
And Allah knows best.
Faraz Rabbani
Related Answers
One. Welfare and Deception — Shaykh Faraz Rabbani: Benefits taken without eligibility are deception, and what was taken that way must be repaid.
Two. What Is the Ruling on Accepting a Scholarship Based on Improper Academic Assistance? — Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat: A scholarship gained dishonestly must be disclosed, and its money may not be taken while the truth is hidden.
Three. What to Do with Money Taken Illicitly from a Government Agency? — Shaykh Yusuf Weltch: Wealth taken wrongfully from an institution is returned to it, along with sincere repentance.
النصوص · Source-Texts
[ابن عابدين، رد المحتار] «إذْ لَا يَجُوزُ لِأَحَدٍ مِنْ الْمُسْلِمِينَ أَخْذُ مَالِ أَحَدٍ بِغَيْرِ سَبَبٍ شَرْعِيٍّ»
[مسلم] «وَمَنْ غَشَّنَا فَلَيْسَ مِنَّا»
[ابن عابدين، رد المحتار] «وَمِنْ شُرُوطِهَا رَدُّ الْمَظَالِمِ إلَى أَهْلِهَا»
Shaykh Faraz Rabbani is a recognized specialist scholar in the Islamic sciences, having studied under leading scholars from around the world. He is the Founder and Executive Director of SeekersGuidance. Shaykh Faraz stands as a distinguished figure in Islamic scholarship. His journey in seeking knowledge is marked by dedication and depth. He spent ten years studying under some of the most revered scholars of our times. His initial studies took place in Damascus. He then continued in Amman, Jordan. In Damascus, he was privileged to learn from the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas. Shaykh Adib al-Kallas was renowned as the foremost theologian of his time. Shaykh Faraz also studied under Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi in Damascus. Shaykh Hassan is recognized as one of the leading Hanafi jurists of our era. Upon completing his studies, Shaykh Faraz returned to Canada in 2007. His return marked a new chapter in his service to the community. He founded SeekersGuidance. The organization reflects his commitment to spreading Islamic knowledge. It aims to be reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible. This mission addresses both online and on-the-ground needs. Shaykh Faraz is also an accomplished author. His notable work includes “Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School.” This book, published by White Thread Press in 2004, is a significant contribution to Islamic literature. His influence extends beyond his immediate community. Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been recognized as one of the 500 most influential Muslims. This recognition comes from the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center. It underscores his impact on the global Islamic discourse. Shaykh Faraz Rabbani’s life and work embody a profound commitment to Islamic scholarship. His teachings continue to enlighten and guide seekers of knowledge worldwide.
