Fatwa ID: 02497

Answered by: Maulana Imad Ali

Question:

If someone cheats in an assessment/exam would that make his income haram? He provides the service as he is well skilled.

Answer

بسم الله الرحمن الرحي

Cheating in Islam is strictly forbidden, The Prophet of Allah (pbuh) once passed by a pile of food in the market. He (pbuh) put his hand inside it and felt dampness although the surface was dry. He (pbuh) then said, “O owner of the food, what is this?” The man replied, “It was damaged by the rain, O Prophet of Allah.” The Prophet (pbuh) said, “Why didn’t you put the damage food on top so that people could see it! Whoever cheats us is not one of us.” (Sahih Muslim p.70 v.1)

The Prophet of Allah (pbuh) also 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)

With regards to your question, the income won’t be haram if the service is within the Shariah Law however the cheating and the way he got to that position would be haram.

Only Allah knows best.

Written by Maulana Imad Ali

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham