Is it lawful to spend the interest amount we get from banks to pay bribe to government departments for getting the lawful work done. Even to get the lawful work done we have to pay bribe without which the file will not move. For example to construct a house here we have to pay for the sanction of building plan, for taking electricity and water connection and all other different works connected with house construction. Kindly provide answer for it.
Answer
(Fatwa: 60/31/D=1432)
It is not lawful to bribe the interest money received from the bank to the government officials. It is not lawful to give the interest money as bribe to complete the permission for construction plan and the connection of electricity, water etc. However, you can give it in unlawful taxation where the amount reaches in government treasury.
Allah (Subhana Wa Ta’ala) knows Best
Darul Ifta,
Darul Uloom Deoband