Prohibition of bribery

414

Q: I drive a large freezer vehicle and I have my own sponsor. I transport vegetables and fruits from Al-Hadithah to Riyadh. We, drivers, wait ten or more days for our turn to load. As for institutions, (Part No. 23; Page No. 558) they are given priority to load. However, individuals who do not want to wait pay 1000 riyal to the company to be considered one of them. Is this permissible? Likewise, in Halat `Amar, in the clearance stations, they may not let you load for ten or more days, unless you pay 100 riyals. Is this permissible? May Allah guide, protect and reward you abundantly! May peace and blessing be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions!

A: It is impermissible for you to pay the aforementioned sum of money to be given priority on the loading list. Actually, such behavior is a bribe. There are many Shar`y (Islamic legal) evidences that prohibit bribery. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.