FatwaFederal TerritoriesTransactions & Finance
IRSYAD HUKUM SIRI KE-740: HUKUM MEMBERI RASUAH DALAM KEADAAN TERDESAK
What is the ruling on giving a bribe in a desperate situation to obtain a right that has been obstructed?
Short answer
The default ruling is that bribery is prohibited, whether giving or receiving, in all circumstances.
A reference, not a fatwa. First sentence of the summary below — read the original fatwa and consult your state authority before acting.
- Authority
- Federal Territories Mufti Office
- Date
- Status
- Opinion (irsyad)
- Series
- Irsyad al-Hukum (Umum)
- Topic
- Transactions & Finance
No evidence of gazettement in the source — this is not a gazetted fatwa.
Summary
The default ruling is that bribery is prohibited, whether giving or receiving, in all circumstances. Some scholars grant an exception for a person who pays only to obtain a right that has been withheld, placing the sin solely on the one who receives or demands the bribe. However, Malaysian law makes both giving and receiving bribes an offence, and considering the harm to society and the state, this opinion holds that the original prohibition stands in every situation.
Written in our own words from the original fatwa — check the source before acting on it.
Rasuah itu hukum asalnya adalah haram untuk diberi atau diterima secara mutlak dalam semua keadaan.
Read the full fatwa on the Federal Territories website (new tab)
How to cite
Cite the original fatwa and its authority. Rujuk Fatwa is only where you found it.
Federal Territories Mufti Office. “IRSYAD HUKUM SIRI KE-740: HUKUM MEMBERI RASUAH DALAM KEADAAN TERDESAK”, 28 December 2022. https://muftiwp.gov.my/ms/artikel/irsyad-hukum/umum/5488-irsyad-al-fatwa-siri-ke-740-hukum-memberi-rasuah-dalam-keadaan-terdesak. Found via Rujuk Fatwa: https://rujukfatwa.com/en/fatwa/ruling-on-giving-bribe-when-desperate/