Question:
Assalamualaikum. Is it permissible to accept bribe with the reasoning that he has to pay for medical treatment and thus, it is considered as an exigent situation?
Answer:
Waalaikumussalam wrt. wbt.
Alhamdulillah, praise and thanks to Allah for the countless blessings He has blessed us all with. Blessings and salutations to the Prophet Muhammad PBUH, his wives, his family, companions and all those that follow his teachings to the day of judgement.
As the mukadimah, we present the evidence of the prohibition of bribery from al-Quran and al-Sunnah:
Allah SWT states:
سَمَّاعُونَ لِلْكَذِبِ أَكَّالُونَ لِلسُّحْتِ
“[They are] avid listeners to falsehood, devourers of [what is] unlawful.”
Surah al-Maidah (42)
The word as-suht literally means destruction. While Ibn Mas’ud RA and others defined the word as-suht as anything that is prohibited such as bribe. [See [al-Jaami’ Li Ahkam al-Quran, al-Qurthubi (6:182-183)]
In a hadith from Abdullah ibn ‘Amr R.Anhuma:
لَعَنَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم الرَّاشِيَ وَالْمُرْتَشِيَ
“Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) cursed the one who bribes and the one who takes bribes,”
Sunan Abu Daud (3580), Sunan al-Tirmizi (1337) and SUnan Ibn Majah (2313)
A person who bribes others is rightfully cursed for getting something which is not of his right and at the same time harm other Muslims. (See al-Kabair :132). Bribery is included as one of the major sins for the harsh punishment for those who commits it. This is according to the words of Ibn al-Solah “There are several signs that a sin is included as a major sin which are; a person who commits it is considered as fasiq and cursed.” While Ibn Abd al-Salam said; “Major sins are followed by harsh punishment or curse.”
To read on the matter pertaining bribe further, please refer to our previous articles:
- Al-Kafi #771: What is the Ruling of Being the Intermediary in Bribery?
- Al-Kafi #1273: Bribery Has Become A Norm in Malaysia
Coming back to the question asked, in our opinion accepting bribes to pay for medical bills is prohibited according to the hadith which states that the recipient of a bribe is also cursed. Furthermore, situations, where a person needs financial assistance to cover medical expenses, is not considered as an exigent situation for there are other channels to get the financial help needed. Hence, we suggest those who need financial assistance in such situations to apply for medical assistance from numerous government agencies such as:
- Medical assistance application from Baitulmal.
- Application from Medical Aid Fund (MAF) from the Ministry of Health (MOH).
- Application for treatment cost assistance from the Welfare Department.
- Application for medical treatment costs from state zakat department
- Flash donation from the public and include the medical report from the hospital.
Conclusion
To conclude, a short cut of accepting bribes to cover one’s medical fees is not considered as an exigent situation for there are other channels to ask for financial assistance from various parties. It is undeniable that getting treatment is one of the efforts to protect one’s life but at the same time, he must get the money from halal sources according to syarak. Furthermore, trials and tribulations that befall a believer is a means to expiate their sins. This is in accordance with a hadith from Abu Sa’id al-Khudri and Abu Hurairah RA, the Prophet PBUH said:
مَا يُصِيبُ الْمُسْلِمَ مِنْ نَصَبٍ وَلا وَصَبٍ وَلا هَمٍّ وَلا حُزْنٍ وَلا أَذًى وَلا غَمٍّ حَتَّى الشَّوْكَةِ يُشَاكُهَا إِلا كَفَّرَ اللَّهُ بِهَا مِنْ خَطَايَاهُ
"No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that."
Sahih al-Bukhari (5641) and Sahih Muslim (2573)
A slave of Allah SWT who is patient when illness or hardship strikes him, then his sins are forgiven. Thus, in his efforts of treating his illness, it must be through the ways which are permissible according to Allah SWT. Those who have difficulty in paying for the medical bills should try their best applying for alternative Shariah-compliant financial assistance other than accepting bribes. Furthermore, whoever involves in bribery will receive the wrath of Allah SWT and distanced from His blessings. Lastly, let us all avoid bribery that affects the blessings of our sustenance and pray that Allah SWT will give us the correct understanding in religion.