Whilst I was at university I received a student grant of around £3,000 for each year of my three year study based on my household income. In my first year, my father filled in the application form with his and my mother’s correct financial details and I was awarded the £3,000. However, in my second and third years I filled in the form myself and I also signed it on my own where my father and mother were supposed to sign; but I did not lie about any of my parents’ financial details so I was fully entitled to the grant based on my household income.

The reason why I filled in the form and signed it myself is because my father has a heavy gambling addiction so I knew he would ask me for part or all of the grant money or refuse to sign the form altogether and tell me to get a job so that I give him money. In the first year of my university study, my father took around £800 from me because of the £3,000 grant he was aware of after filling in the form and he also committed fraud of £2,000 on my credit card which my bank reported to me was all spent on online betting websites – as a result of which I had to move into my grandfather’s house for my safety and well being. My grandfather (his father) and my uncle (his brother) also told me not to give him any money as it would go to waste in gambling.

My question is that does the fact that I signed the forms where my father and mother were supposed to sign make the grant money (around £6,000) I used to pay for my university fees in my second and third year Haraam? As stated, I was fully entitled to the grant money based on my household income and I put in all the correct financial details on the form, but I signed the forms myself due to my circumstances.

In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.

 Answer

If you are required to get the form signed by your father and mother, but instead forged their signature, your action will be considered as deception and the money you gained will be considered as unlawful, even though you may be have done it for a genuine reason.

The Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam has said; “Whoever bears arms against us is not one of us and whoever cheats us is not one of us.” (Sahih Muslim p.70 v.1)

Once the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam passed by a pile of food in the market. He put his hand inside it and felt dampness although the surface was dry. He Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam said; “O owner of the food, what is this?” The Man side; “It was damaged by rain, O Prophet of Allah.” He said; “Why didn’t you put the rain damaged food on top so that people could see it! Whoever cheats us is not one of us.” (Sahih Muslim p.70 v.1)

Only Allah Knows Best

Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham