Consequences of Bribery
Bribery has numerous and detrimental effects on both individuals and society as a whole. Below, we outline some of these consequences:
- Financial resources of the state are severely undermined. For instance, a bribe to obtain a license for a project that offers no real benefit to the community but enriches its owners leads the state to invest in public services—such as road construction, water supply, and electricity—consuming financial resources without yielding any communal advantages.
- Individuals’ lives can be jeopardized by bribery. For example, if bribery influences the production of a certain medication or food products, or if an engineer is bribed to overlook safety regulations on a large construction project, the result could be a catastrophic building collapse, risking the lives of occupants.
- Bribery can erode the moral fabric of society. Its prevalence fosters negligence, apathy, and a lack of accountability, ultimately diminishing loyalty and a sense of belonging among individuals, leading to widespread ethical decline.
- Bribery results in the loss of state rights. For instance, if a tax collector accepts a bribe from an individual, they may prioritize that individual unfairly, leading to a significant loss of public funds.
- Bribery encourages the hiring of incompetent employees, leading to unqualified individuals being placed in inappropriate positions.
Islamic Perspective on Bribery
Bribery is strictly prohibited in Islam, as demonstrated by references in the Holy Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The consensus among Muslims is that it constitutes a major sin. Engaging in bribery equates to consuming unlawful income that adversely impacts one’s faith, character, and conduct. The Prophet (peace be upon him) cursed both the giver and receiver of a bribe, as well as the intermediary facilitating the transaction. Moreover, the consumption of haram (forbidden) wealth, such as that obtained through bribery, can hinder the acceptance of one’s prayers, posing a significant risk.
Repenting from Bribery
For individuals who have engaged in bribery, it is imperative to repent sincerely to Allah (the Most High) for this forbidden act. This involves ceasing the behavior, feeling remorse for the action taken, and making a firm intention to never return to it. The process of absolving oneself from illicit gains can take one of two forms:
- If the bribe was taken to facilitate access to a rightful claim, the briber must return the money, as it was acquired through unjust means.
- If the bribe was given to secure an unjust advantage, and the briber has already benefited, the receiver is not obliged to return the money to avoid the individual profiting unfairly from both the payoff and the outcome. Instead, the recipient should consider donating the bribe to the poor and needy or utilizing it for communal benefits, thus transforming it into a source of good.