Answered by: Alimah Sofia Mirza
Question:
When I was young in school, I was away from deen, when we used to study for exams and then appear in the exams, I would do my test from what I knew but also sought some help (it was cheating) from classmates and also would help them. Later, when I appeared in the qualifying test for a degree program, I also did the same thing. Later, I got admission. But I had copied some things in the entrance exam. At the same time, I also got an offer letter from a private university. But since I also got admission to that public college, I went there. Later, I was very fortunate to get a shaykh and I did taubah from bad deeds. And did my work honestly, refrained from bad deeds. I later, in that public college did my studies honestly and properly. But what happened I couldn’t change it. I couldn’t leave and go elsewhere. After finishing my first degree, I also applied for higher degree programs and got admission. But the admission was not due to any bad influence. It was sincerely. Because I had to pay there. Now I am sincerely studying for my higher degree program and working honestly. I have excellent credentials now, I work hard, abstain from bad deeds, I qualified for some reputed tests. This thought came into my mind so I thought I should ask.
Now, my question is if I get a job, will there be any issue regarding haram / halal now. Because we still need to show all our degrees. How can I mend that wrong deed? I very humbly request duas.
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer:
Your concern for reformation is commendable, the mistakes which we have done due to ignorance and then sought Tawbah sincerely will be forgiven by the will of Allah if we do not return to that sin.
It has been mentioned by Imam Nawawi that the three conditions for Tawbah from sins that do not concern the rights of other human beings are three:
- He should refrain from committing more sins.
- He should feel ashamed of what he had done.
- He should resolve not to indulge in the sins again.[1]
If you have fulfilled these conditions then by the will of Allah your Tawbah is accepted, regarding the earnings there is not much relation between the money itself and the degree or the exams and so it will be safe to say that your earnings are Halal, and you are trying to reform your actions. If you are not feeling satisfied you may give some portion of your wealth as Sadaqah.
Only Allah knows best
Written by Alimah Sofia Mirza
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham
[1] Riyaadus Saliheen, Darul Ishaat Karachi, Pg.27.
التوبة واجبة من كل ذنب فإن كانت المعصية بين العبد وبين الله تعالى لا تتعلق بحق آدمي فلها ٣ شروط أحدهما ان يقلع عن المعصية و الثانية ان يندم على فعلها و الثالث أن يعزم ان لا يعود اليها ابدا