Pharmaceutical representative giving gifts to doctors in hospitals

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Q: I am a pharmacist who works as a medical representative at a pharmaceutical company. We give the physicians and pharmacists in the public and special hospitals gifts such as a pen or clock with the name of the product or the company engraved on it, so that the physician would prescribe this drug to patients. Many competing companies do this frequently; otherwise, their products would face recession, so that the patient becomes a victim of competition. What is the ruling on such work?

A: This act is not permissible and is considered a bribe which is Haram (prohibited), for it impels the employer to be unjust by cooperating with the company that offers him gifts and abandoning other companies. This is consuming the people's wealth unjustly. It entails inflicting harm on others, so one should avoid and warn against it, for the Prophet (peace be upon him) cursed the person who bribes and the one who takes the bribe. We pray to Allah to grant us well-being and safety. (Part No. 23; Page No. 577) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.