Buying a Driver’s Licence
Question
Q1. Is it permissible to buy a driver’s licence?
Q2. Is it permissible to pay a bribe to pass a driver’s license test if one cannot pass the test due to nerves, or, if one suspects corruption but without any solid proof for it?
Answer
A1. No, it is not permissible as one will be breaking the law of the country. It is necessary for us, as Muslims, to abide by the rules and regulations of the country, particularly when the laws of the country do not contradict the Shariah in any way. Furthermore, if a person is caught paying a bribe or buying a license, he or she will be humiliated, and this will be a means of humiliation not only upon one’s self, but upon the Muslim Ummah at large. It is not permissible to bring humiliation upon the Ummah.
In conclusion, it is not correct for a Muslim to buy a license, nor pay a bribe.
Also, consider the following Hadith:
Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam said, “It is not appropriate for a believer to humiliate himself.” The Sahabah Radiallahu Anhum said: “How does he humiliate himself?” Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam replied: “He presents himself to such a trial which he cannot bear.”
A2. No, it is not permissible.
References (Arabic / Urdu sources)
(افترض عليه إجابته) لأن طاعة الإمام فيما ليس بمعصية فرض فكيف فيما هو طاعة بدائع (قوله: افترض عليه إجابته) والأصل فيه قوله تعالى {وأولي الأمر منكم} [النساء: 59] وقال – صلى الله عليه وسلم – «اسمعوا وأطيعوا ولو أمر عليكم عبد حبشي أجدع» وروي «مجدع» وعن ابن عمر أنه – عليه الصلاة والسلام – قال وإلا لزم بيتهز
(الدر المختار و حاشية ابن عابدين 4/264)
قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: “لا ينبغي للمؤمن أن يذل نفسه” قالوا: وكيف يذل نفسه؟ قال: “يتعرض من البلاء لما لا يطيق.” (سنن الترمذي# 2254)
- Answered by
- Mufti Abdul Kader Fazlani
- Checked & approved by
- Mufti Yacoob Vally Saheb
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