Giving a bribe if one cannot receive his right

Q: I need to know about bribe as I have heard that the giver and taker, both are sinners. But now the situation is that I cannot book my visa appointment without paying the bribe. 

I have tried every possible way to book an appointment but could not get any booking. Also I have written an email to governing bodies but there is no response on it. Should I pay the bribe and ask Allah for forgiveness, or should I leave it as is?

A: Accepting a bribe is haraam in all situations. As for giving a bribe, then it is not permissible to give a bribe in the case where there is no dire need. However, if there is no way for one to get one's haq (one's right) without giving a bribe or it is extremely difficult to get one's haq (one's right) without giving a bribe, then one will be excused in such a situation for giving a bribe and one will not be sinful.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

 

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)