Living The Quran
From Issue: 1003 [Read full issue]
Bribery
Al-Baqara (The Cow) Sura 2: Verse 188
"And do not eat up each other's property unlawfully, nor use it as a means of access to rulers so that you may eat up part of others' property depriving them of their right wrongfully while you know it is wrong and unjust."
This verse sheds light on various aspects of bribery. Firstly, bribery is one of the major means of usurping others' rights. That is why it is specially mentioned immediately after the prohibition of unlawfully grabbing others' wealth. The reason for this is quite clear. The law, the most important means of protecting others' rights, depends for its efficacy largely on the honesty and integrity of rulers, the guardians of the law. If they are somehow corrupted, that would mean that people's rights are then up for sale and anyone who has money can buy them. Bribery is obviously a most effective means of corrupting rulers.
Secondly, the most effective factor in the spread of corruption rests within society itself. When people are inclined to usurp others' rights they resort to bribery to get their way. Rulers, in turn, become so addicted to it that they would not render to people even their normal rights without the lure of a bribe. That is why Islam first and foremost admonishes people against corrupting the custodians of law. Islam is so sensitive in this regard that it considers it undesirable for rulers to receive gifts from the public. This is obvious from various statements of the Prophet, peace be upon him, on this subject because this is yet another backdoor to corruption and bribery.
Thirdly, bribery is an obvious wrong. This fact is supported by human reason and by the convention (maruf) universally accepted by all societies. All religions and laws are agreed on its prohibition - hence, the concluding words: wa antum ta lamun (while you know it is wrong and unjust).
Compiled From:
"Pondering Over The Quran: Surah al-Fatiha and Surah al-Baqarah" - Amin Ahsan Islahi