Accepting a gift from someone who takes bribes

354

Q 1: What is the ruling on my cousin who works as a traffic officer and takes bribes from drivers claiming that they are gratuities? Are they really gratuities? Can I accept gifts from him? What shall I say to him? Would you please advise him? Am I permitted to sit with him? Note that he offers Salah in its due time and while sitting with him I sense a devout spirit.

A: It is not permissible for you to accept your cousin's gifts, if they are from the bribes he receives. However, you can accept them if you do not know whether it is of the bribes he takes or not. But if most of his money is unlawful, you should not accept it out of precaution. However, it is best to return his gift as a kind of reforming, advising, and reminding him of his evil act. Moreover, calling the bribes which he receives gratuities is a lie and a trick of giving false names to the unlawful (Part No. 23; Page No. 587) to render it lawful unjustly. He should be advised, may Allah guide him. Your cousin should fear Allah and call himself into account, not to take bribes from drivers as it is considered unlawful, injustice, and treachery, not gratuities.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.